Homily for Proper 11 Year C 2025
Imagine. God’s people—once proud, once prosperous— Now captives, war booty, sitting by the waters of Babylon. Not the Jordan, not the temple steps, but a foreign river in a foreign land. No lyres, no psalms, just the question: “How did I get here?” It’s not a strategic question, not really. It’s a soul question. A lament in disguise. And you remember what the prophets said— what Amos said— Back then Business was booming—at least for the wealthy. The markets were strong, the palaces full, and the priests were keeping worship predictable, comfortable. But, the poor were being crushed, the system was rigged in favor of those in power, and, no one with power cared. Into that smug prosperity came a voice— Amos, a prophet. And his word? Not comfort. Not blessing. But judgment—judgment upon those with power Those who had traded justice for profit. Amos sees a basket of summer fruit. Ripe, sweet, full. And the Lord says, “The end has come.” A pun in Hebrew—qayitz, “fruit”; qētz, “end.” Su...