Dinnertime conversations in our house can be
monotonous. At least that’s what my 15-year-old daughter thinks. She claims
that there are only three topics of conversation at our table—religion,
politics and economics. Each time we start talking about one of these subject
she is sure to point it out to us. “See,” she’ll say with a big sigh, “you’re
doing it again.”
Since I am a
preacher and my husband is a banker the topics are not too surprising. At first
glance, it may seem like these are three different topics, but the reality is
that they are so intertwined it can be difficult to tease them apart. The prophet Amos knew this and spoke powerfully about it.
Even though Amos’
message was meant for ancient Israel, he is speaking to us today, calling on people
like me to recognize that it’s impossible to live a compartmentalized life. Christianity
makes bold statements about our economic and political decisions. Prophets like Amos and Isaiah and even Jesus have been repeating
a pretty simple message over time:
Love God
Care for
others
Share
your stuff
It's a message I share. But, because actions speak louder than our words and I can't proclaim the message of the prophets without feeling like a total hypocrite. I can just imagine Amos purple-faced and threatening if he knew how much money I spend at Starbucks or on clothes to preach in, for goodness sakes. But I suspect, that is part of the prophet's purpose. They are our shouting, gesticulating conscience reminding us of God's call. Amos' message is a call to the core ethical standard of the biblical story--a reminder that the religious is economic and political. When I encounter a message like Amos', I change. It doesn't matter if it comes in a book, a prayer or a person.
Last
year, my family hosted Jafali Asidi a pastor from Malawi. The first night, as
we sat down to a simple dinner of chicken, broccoli and rice, he prayed. He
gave thanks for such a fine meal and then he asked God to provide for those who
would not have food that day.
I was
stunned. I had never once included people who are hungry in my prayer before a
meal, and, to be honest, I'd never heard anyone else do it either. He made a point of remembering people without
enough food every time he ate. He ministered to such people.
Jafali
was a prophet at the table, forcing me to face the recognition my economic, religious and
political position. He made me aware of the privileges I take for granted. He
challenged my outlook and changed the way I pray at mealtime. It’s a little thing to practice, but it’s a big
deal. Jesus talks about it all the time.
Changing your ways is called repentance.
As
Jafali prayed for those without food, I looked at my plate and took in a quick
a gasp of breath. It was an inward moment of fear and embarrassment because I
was thinking dinner was pretty ordinary, take-out might have been better. I also breathed a sigh of relief remembering
God's grace surrounds me during these revelations. I remember that in Christ I am forgiven and the same Christ call me to change--repent. It’s the ongoing rhythm of the faith
journey.
Recognition. Repentance. Remembering.
After that time with Jafali, I saw things differently. Chicken and broccoli suddenly seemed like luxury foods. Jafali’s
prayer allowed me to recognize ways that I’d been oblivious to other people’s
suffering. It shifted the way I see myself in the world. Now, I try to remember how
fortunate I am. I try to remember to ask God to care for those who are beyond
my reach. I try to remember to care myself for those in my reach. I try
to remember the prophetic message:
Love God
Care for
others
Share
your stuff
In
Christ’s name
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