Justice has always been an essential part of our relationship with God. God has made it very clear that he is not interested in our worship or rituals unless we also treat others with justice, mercy, and compassion. We might argue that we have oppressed no one, but we create, and we benefit from unjust political and economic systems. On behalf of God, Amos raged at the Israelites for their economic oppression of the poor and their willingness to treat others as objects or slaves. In our relationship with God, let us always be vigilant that our words and our love is expressed in deeds, and that we have a special concern for the poor and weak - just as God does!

It is easy, in a burst of enthusiasm, to express a desire to follow Jesus. He warned those who came to him that there would be a price - a sacrifice of comfort, convenience, and control of one's life. Even the foxes and birds would have more stability and security, for they had a nesting place. Jesus and those who follow him would always live from moment to moment, relying totally on God. Likewise, with family obligations - following the Lord was even more important than these. Jesus repeatedly exhorts those who come to him to follow, wherever that may lead. Do we have the courage and the trust?