Saturday 15 May 2021

Amos 4:1-13  Psalm 131

Background

We reach the end of Christian Aid Week, perhaps we put some coins in the familiar red envelope, we give attention to the theme for this year (climate justice), and we move on to the next thing. You know, though, the next thing is the same thing. We are called to live by the command of Christ, to love and care for one another, to love and care for the created order, to seek justice and well-being for all.

We have, this week, begun our discovery of the writings of the prophet Amos and, over the coming week, have opportunity to continue to explore his work. Amos, said to be a shepherd from Judah is, perhaps, one of the more commonly known prophets. His colourful language of rejection of Israel’s religious festivals until a time when justice rolls on like a river and righteousness like a never-failing stream is often quoted and hits us between the eyes (Amos 5:21-24).

Scholars and activist proclaim that we are in a Kairos moment for engaging with these issues. A Kairos moment is a Greek concept meaning that we are in an opportune time, the moment for action has come. This gives a sense of urgency to our engagement. Climate justice, social justice, fairness for all, are not seasonal themes which appear on the calendar from time to time and then are supplanted by other seasonal themes. They are the themes of the Kingdom and if we remove them from the story, there is no Kingdom. The time to engage is now before the opportunity passes and the consequences land upon us.

On Tuesday we considered the call of our young people to engage in the demand for climate justice. Let's do the following:

• Recall the young people's challenge to get involved. Respond to their call for the church community to take meaningful action on climate change.
• Get resourced Find monthly worship and storytelling resources, to help us listen and act for climate justice.
• Engage our community  How could your Methodist community get involved? Could your church, small group or gathering connect with the campaign together in worship? How can you bring other people on the journey with you?
• Speak up Across the world, Methodist communities  are calling for climate justice for all.

The situation is dire, but is not yet lost, if we act now we still have a hope. If we do act now, then the words of the Psalmist will give substance to our hope, “O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time on and for evermore.” Psalm 131:3

To Ponder:

• Have a look at Christian Aid’s prayer resource on climate change at and consider if you can engage with some of their suggested actions.
• How has our journey through this week’s themes, with our consideration of the demands placed upon us to engage with issues of justice, changed the way you might now think or act?