It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Woe to the Comfortable, a Reflection on Amos 6:1a, 4-7

For those of us who assume that having wealth is evidence that God loves somebody, these verses can be disturbing.

Woe to you who are at ease. Woe for you who are rich, you who have time for leisure, you who can afford to eat lavish meals, you who can listen to music on your ipods or go to concerts.

Woe to you when you have money to spend on your own pleasure and ignore the poor.

Amos was addressing people who were comfortable and felt secure.

Amos tells them that their comfort and security are about to be taken away from them. Their taking care of themselves rather than the poor will result in their nation being destroyed.

The rich man in the parable in Luke had ignored this prophet, and he feared his brothers wouldn't pay any attention, either. Are we listening yet?

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