Where do you even begin? After this weekend in our country, there have been plenty of feelings- lament, rage, disgust- but not so many words.
At least words that haven’t already been said. Said by countless others, by myself for years and years.
Words that don’t feel like either preaching to the choir or talking to a wall.
It is truly sad and disgusting that some people will see five year olds detained in political prison camps or people killed by their own government illicit and immediately look for some copy-and-paste logical argument to defend it, because of a need to stick with their side. To wear team colors.
When it’s only reinforced by algorithms, homogenous social circles, and a closed loop media ecosystem, it really gives people a way to justify any horrible act.
Oddly enough, this past weekend I was asked to give a sermon at church on climate justice. Long before the events of this weekend took shape, the theme and scripture were already chosen, and it’s so fitting.
“I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me.
Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them.
Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them.
Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.
But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!
–Amos 5:21-24
A timeless call out of when religious displays don’t actually reorient us towards justice. God ain’t having it.
They’re so strongly echoed by Matt Moberg, chaplain of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards apparently isn’t the only one bringing heat on that team.
“If you’re a church posting prayers for peace and unity today
While my city bleeds in the street,
Miss me with that softness
You only wear when it costs you nothing.”
“You don’t get to quote scripture like a lullaby while injustice stays wide awake.
You don’t get to ask God to ‘heal the land’ if you won’t even look at the wound.”