The Promotion of Social Righteousness
“But let justice roll on like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream!”
-Amos 5:24
The Great Ends of the Church are 6 statements found in the PC(USA) Book of Order. As guiding principles for the church, these Great Ends are high callings. The fifth Great End of the Church: The Promotion of Social Righteousness is an extremely lofty goal. When the world wants to separate and divide, the church is called to work for unity and justice.
The banner for the fifth Great End represents Amos 5:24: “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” The banner hanging in the sanctuary this month shows a great waterfall. The image reminds us that justice ultimately is the work of God. Our part is to promote and work for justice, peace, equality and social righteousness. We may not be called to a prophetic ministry, such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but we are ALL equipped and called to promote these lofty and high goals. We are called to eliminate anything in our lives and our communities that stands in the way of justice, peace, righteousness and equality. This is difficult work. It takes a great deal of introspection and self awareness. It also requires the fostering of relationships that may not come easily or naturally for us.
These, too, are the work of God in our lives and in our community. Just as the waterfall is fed by many streams, by the rain and snowfall, which we cannot control or create… the realization of justice, righteousness, peace and equality in the world are not ours to control or create… but they are ours to promote. One of my favorite local waterfalls is Multnomah Falls on Hwy 84 in Oregon. It is easily accessible from the highway and available to everyone who takes the time to stop and take the short walk to the base of the falls. This is what the Promotion of Social Righteousness is like: making it easy for people to participate in the work. Because a major freeway is right there by the falls, many people have the opportunity to stop, but not many do. We can be the ones who stop. We can be the ones who provide space for others to participate. We can be the ones who Promote Social Righteousness in our community and in the world.
Holy and Beloved God, it is hard to hope when all seems lost. The darkness has a way of fuzzing our vision, of taking our eyes off of your holy light. It’s hardest to see your light when our eyes are shut – shut to you, shut to each other, and shut to the suffering that is just barely disguised by thin smiles and haunted eyes. Yet, your light shines. Your hope abides with us, awakening us to your love, and calling us to share your light with each other. Help us prepare a way for you in our hearts, that your love might open our hearts to see you fully in the world. Amen.
