Third Sunday after the Epiphany (Year A), Jan. 23, 2005
BCP: Amos 3:1-8; Psalm 139:1-17 or 139:1-11; 1 Cor. 1:10-17; Matt. 4:12-23;
RCL: Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 5-13; 1 Cor. 1:10-18; Matt. 4:12-23
The wholesale spread of American popular culture is perhaps the most pervasive social force at work in the world today. Even in those rare places where imported commercialism is flatly illegal, one encounters tiny local businesses with names like “Mr. MacBurger,” “Pizza Hot,” and “Kuwaiti Fried Chicken,” patronized by the masses clad in T-shirts, sneakers, and jeans. And it isn’t necessarily just market forces at work. Much of the world sees American foreign policy as one of spreading our icons and values worldwide. For that perception we reap a political whirlwind.
American cultural supremacy seems to be leading many in our Church into a kind of theological triumphalism which equates current social trends with divine revelation. As this tendency spreads and becomes less critical, we increasingly neglect our historic prophetic mission to “test the spirits, to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). And we find ourselves, as Episcopalians, reaping a theological whirlwind from much of the world.
Today’s readings are perhaps inviting us to re-examine what we proclaim and from what source we receive it. Amos addresses a powerful and prosperous nation whose people believe that their good fortune springs from the special favor of the Lord. Yet the prophet condemns this attitude as simple spiritual arrogance, even as he denounces the lack of charity and compassion which underlies it. Jesus himself deplores the self-righteousness which he sees in the pious all around him. “Repent,” he warns all who will hear, “for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matt. 4:17).
While God certainly can and does make himself known through human cultures, we do well to steer clear of the uncritical canonization of our own — for our good, and the good of all (God’s) Church.
Aside from the social sins that plague us, like the growing demonization of recent immigrants, we face basic systemic problems. Charity and decency and respect are sorely lacking in our political process, and perhaps the Church might speak to that. Confrontational decision making, which always produces “losers,” needs either to be abandoned or to take on a kinder, gentler face. We might do well prophetically to address that, too — both within our own ranks and around us.
Today’s readings challenge us to reclaim something of our prophetic mission, “lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power” (1 Cor. 1:17).
Look It Up
How does Jesus himself view the secular powers of his own day? (Matt. 22:14-26) How does the prophet Amos exercise his ministry in the face of established religious convention? (Amos 5:20-22)
Think About It
If Episcopalians would distance ourselves from the spread of American popular culture, how might this affect our standing in the worldwide Anglican Communion?
Next Sunday
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany (Year A), Jan. 30, 2005
BCP: Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 37:1-18 or 37:1-6; 1 Cor. 1:(18-25)26-31; Matt. 5:1-12
RCL: Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; 1 Cor. 1:18-31; Matt. 5:1-12
