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July 13, 2022

A Justice Journey

Juan Carlos Huertas   |   Read Psalm 82:1-8

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Lectionary Week
July 11–17, 2022
Scripture Overview

This reading from Amos provides more indication of the reasons for God’s coming judgment. Too many in Israel have been oppressing the poor. They cannot wait for religious festivals to end so that they can make more money through corrupt trade, including what we now call human trafficking. If we understand the psalmist to be David, the warning he issues in this passage concerns Saul. Because Saul has turned to evil, God will not allow him to remain in power. While God is love, God also sometimes brings judgment. The author of Colossians extols the elevated status of Christ, who has reconciled us to himself through his death. In Luke, Mary prioritizes spending time with Jesus, while Martha focuses on working for Jesus. It is Mary who receives Jesus’ praise.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Amos 8:1-12. Who in your community has been left behind? How can you care for them?
Read Psalm 52. How do you remain rooted in God’s steadfast love when you cry out against injustice?
Read Colossians 1:15-28. What do you need to let fall away to reveal the mystery of Christ in you?
Read Luke 10:38-42. How do you focus on Christ even as you attend to the necessary tasks of daily life?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 82:1-8

1 God takes his stand in the divine council; he gives judgment among the gods: 2 “How long will you judge unjustly by granting favor to the wicked? Selah 3 Give justice to the lowly and the orphan; maintain the right of the poor and the destitute! 4 Rescue the lowly and the needy. Deliver them from the power of the wicked! 5 They don’t know; they don’t understand; they wander around in the dark. All the earth’s foundations shake. 6 I hereby declare, “You are gods, children of the Most High—all of you! 7 But you will die like mortals; you will fall down like any prince.” 8 Rise up, God! Judge the earth because you hold all nations in your possession!

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Give us justice! Give us justice! Give us justice! I can hear it as a chant for our days. God once again is sitting at the head of the divine council looking over our neighborhoods. What does God see?

I have to admit that on most days I do not...

God of justice, open my eyes to the many ways that the places where I live, work, and play fall short of your vision of equity for all of creation. Amen.


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