God of summoning words, in your presence we are yet again aware of your calling that we be different in the word. Grant us enough resolve to resist being narcotized by our society of indifference. In his name. Amen.
Psalm 38
Amos 8:1-14
Revelation 1:17-27
Matthew 23:1-12
Going through the motions in a mindless way is a durable temptation. In a society of too many consumer goods, too many TV options, too much wearisome news, and the needless pursuit of commodities it is easy to give up on intentionality and simply go through the motions of what is expected at home, at work, in church. In the oracle of Amos, the merchants, busy at exloitation, wait impatiently through the motions of Sabbath keeping. In the Gospel reading, the opponents of Jesus are indicted for going through the motions of religious performance. And in the address to the church as Ephesus in Revelation, the cooling of "first love" perhaps causes church life to be less than zealously engaged.
In each case the readings warn against such indifferent living. Amos raises hard questions about economic exploitation. Jesus calls is followers away from empty performance to serious, attentive obedience that takes the form of servanthood. And Ephesus is called to "repent, and do the works you did at first."
Commercial Christmas is much going through the demanding motions of office parties, shopping, decorating, sending and receiving cards, wrapping gifts . . . enough to create deep fatigue. Advent is a wake-up call away from such careless participation in the restless "festival of stuff." An awakened "season of giving" may be marked by a new passion for economic justice, for sustained servanthood grounded in humbleness, and for listening to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.
Walter Brueggemann: Gift and Task
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