Amos 6:1-14
Psalms 114, 115, 148-150
Thessalonians 1:5-12
Luke 1:57-68
“Praise be to the Lord . . .
because he has come to his people and redeemed them.”
Luke 1:68
At first glance, today's readings have two common themes—praise to the Lord in all things and punishment for complacency. Or is that really only one theme—that while we might praise the Lord, we can still become complacent? Are we taking God for granted? We believe, we praise, we show up at church most Sundays. But are we doing the work that God calls us to do? Are we resting on our laurels? Are we waiting on someone else to do God's heavy lifting? In anticipation of his arrival to redeem us, are we actively looking for ways to do God's will in the world?
Mary DiFiore Crowe