Cause and Effect
Amos lists several events that have a cause and an effect on those who are close by. In modern day terms you have probably heard the expression that if a tree falls in the woods when no one is there does it make a sound. Your answer will depend on your understanding of sound and sound waves. Cause and effect in our world happen regularly.
What is surprising is when people choose not to accept the effect but make it into something else. There are many topics we could address, but this reflection is not about our cultural problems. There is another theme that runs in this reading from Amos. That is to those who have been given more, more is expected.
When we envy what someone else has, we might say the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence. And it might be greener. Only because it took a lot of work to weed, fertilize, and maintain this greener grass. More is given to the green grass people because more is expected. This ties in well that God wants us to be active participants in His creation.
We were placed here to care for the earth and the possessions God has given us. We are to make all things fruitful and multiply. Life is precious. The earth is precious. We are precious in the eyes of God. Realize that everything you do does influence others. When you lead a good moral and virtuous life that is the effect you will have on others to do the same.
When we sin, we influence others just as well. Recognize what you do effects more than just you.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen