Amos 5:18-20: Seek Impoverishment
Thursday, November 7, 2024
Being Open in Mourning
The prophet Amos left his sheep and fig trees to speak God’s word to the faithful and unfaithful alike. These words came at a time of prosperity, when his prognostications were easily and readily jeered by those who enjoyed luxury at the expense of the poor. From our 21st century perspective, we can see that his audience would have done well to listen better to this simple yet eloquent man. His sober, ardent proclamation is concise, pointed and brief . . . but carrying a deeply important message for the part of the Gospel which is eagerly forgotten by many. It is not enough to be kind, in the New Kingdom. We are called to be just as well.
It is easy to look at foreign countries in civil war, at the poor in our own city streets and point to the places where justice cannot flourish or even get a foothold. What is more difficult is to look to our own lives to find the pockets of impoverishment and injustice there. When have we walked away from a situation in which we should have given voice to God’s word? When have we reacted in an anger that stirs the pot rather than in patience which opens doors for communication? When have we avoided? When have we harassed? When have we neglected? When have we manipulated?
Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever. Psalm 72 calls on God to make his justice clear to those who yearn for it.
Justice shall flower . . .
May God rule . . .
God shall rescue the poor . . .
God shall have pity on the lowly . . .
The lives of the poor God shall save . . .
We ought not to shrink from God in our poverty of spirit, for it is the poor in spirit whom God touches quickly, heals surely, abides with eternally. We ought not shrink from confessing our lacks, from asking for our needs, for expressing our heart’s desire. Let us offer up our impoverishment daily.
May God remember your every offering, graciously accept your holocaust, grant what is in your heart, fulfill your every plan. (Psalm 20:4-5)
Amos reminds us when he speaks of the woes that God knows the content of our hearts. There is nowhere we can hide our secrets. So when we mourn, let us open our hearts fully to the God who created us. It is with this small action that we will be healed. It is with this openness that we best love God. It is through this honesty that we bring about the justice that the prophet Amos yearns to witness. Let us take our offerings of our own accord, let us seek impoverishment, and let us place them on the altar of our life.
To learn more about the prophet and his prophecy, click on the image of the shepherd above or visit: http://www.catholiclane.com/amos-the-lion-of-gods-salvation/
Adapted from a reflection written on December 3, 2008.
Image from: http://www.catholiclane.com/amos-the-lion-of-gods-salvation/
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