I used to live and minister in New York City. I loved my life there, but as I saw the growing divisions in the United States, I began to hear a call from God that I could not stay in NYC. I now minister in Central Pennsylvania where the rural...

God, use my life, like Amos, to point our world toward your passion for justice and social equity. Amen.


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Lectionary Week
July 7–13, 2025
Scripture Overview

Amos and the psalmist speak of the divine judgment of God. For Amos’ audience, judgment will come because they have ignored God’s warnings. The psalmist warns of judgment against those who oppress the weak and needy and fail to protect them from the wicked. These passages leave us with an understanding that human righteousness falls short of God’s expectations. When we read the Luke and Colossians passages in light of the Hebrew texts, we see hints as to what the rule of judgment should be—mercy and love. Live in the way of mercy and love, and you will be filled with all spiritual wisdom, as Colossians proclaims. This is the measure of a good society: mercy and love.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Amos 7:7-17. Look for God’s plumb line in the world. In what ways is the ground you stand on askew?
• Read Psalm 82. If you sit on the council of the Most High, how does this change your perspective on the world?
• Read Colossians 1:1-14. Prayers of mere words are just the beginning of prayer. To what prayerful actions do your prayerful words call you?
• Read Luke 10:25-37. Consider how you live out Jesus’ call to love your neighbor.

Respond by posting a prayer.