The Holy Habit of Serving the poor and deprived

Amos’ leading exhortation is that God’s people must work to ensure that justice is practised in society. Worship, no matter how beautiful the choir and fine the buildings and the liturgy, that is not then practised in the maintenance of justice in society, is a revolting stench to God! He hates it!

As disciples of Jesus, we will do well to build into our lives practices and rhythms of service to those most vulnerable in our society. This may take many different forms. Our capacity to serve and help will be different at different stages of our lives, but whatever time, resources, or strength we may or may not have, it is always wise to do something. Even a very small action is better than doing nothing. While there are thousands of things we could do, here are some suggestions: helping at a foodbank, supporting charities that work among those in greatest need, visiting the elderly, helping at a children’s club, ‘sharing with the Lord’s people in need’.

Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you do for one of the least of these my brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’ Matthew 25:40.