In the first reading, we hear the prophet Amos speak out against the blatant injustices committed by the wealthy and the nobility. For example, they place heavy taxes on small landowners causing the latter to become bankrupt, which in turn forces the landowners to become servants to the former. The desire for wealth and power by the rich and those in authority has bled the land of its natural resources, while unnecessary military ventures by its leaders have cost the nation dearly. In the face of these realities, the ones to suffer the most are the poor.

Amos warns those responsible for causing these injustices that God cannot be 'fooled'. "Woe", he calls out, a word signifying that God's wrath is coming upon them. For them, the 'day of the Lord' will not be one where rejoicing will take place. Instead, it will be a day of darkness, when God's judgement and anger will be turned against those who oppress the poor, the weak and marginalised.

The 'day of the Lord' dawned upon humanity with the coming of Jesus. The Gospel passage describes how Jesus defeats and destroys the power of the demons. The victory of Jesus over darkness is complete. With the coming of Jesus, the powers of the Kingdom are at work. And Jesus will return and when he does, he will hold each of us accountable for our actions. "Woe" unto those of us who think that God can be 'fooled', who blatantly commit acts of injustice against others. We have been warned.