This week’s service was prepared by the brothers and sisters of the community at Saint Sulpice in Favières (France)
Reflection text
Do two journey together unless they have agreed? (Amos 3:3)
Bertrand Mathys, pastor (UEPAL)
https://www.presseregionaleprotestante.info/spiritualite/theologie/grain-de-sable/deux-hommes-font-ils-route-ensemble-sans-setre-dabord-rencontres-amos-3-3/ (in french)
“Do two journey together unless they have agreed?” (Amos 3:3)
This verse from the book of Amos is very often used to stress the need to reach an agreement before setting out on a journey together. Indeed, it is common for a group to plan its route together before going on a hike… But is this really the meaning of the verse?
Amos, a herdsman and grower of sycamore figs, was not a professional prophet, and he was a prophet of doom. In a time of prosperity and calm, he announces calamities for all of Israel’s neighbors, Judah included, before proclaiming an oracle against Israel itself. He disturbs because he reminds Israel of the duties that flow from its blessing. Israel cannot simply take comfort in being the chosen people. Because of this blessing, Israel must be concerned with justice and righteousness in order to remain faithful to the covenant. Disaster is announced for Israel because the blessing has not been honored, because it has not been respected.
The verse that concerns us, therefore, is a reminder of this covenant between God and his people. John Wesley draw a beautiful parallel in one of his sermons between this verse from Amos 3:3 and the meeting of Jehu and Jonadab (2 Kings 10:15):
“When he set out from there, Jehu met Jehonadab, son of Rechab, on the road. He greeted him and asked,
– Are you with me wholeheartedly, as I am with you?
– Yes, he replied.
– If you are, give me your hand.
He gave him his hand, and he had him mount his chariot.”
This encounter between Jehu and Jonadab, before they set out together, allows them to verify each other’s disposition of heart. Nothing more! No long speech is needed. However, it introduces an unconditional commitment to serving one another. These are precisely the missions that Amos demands of the people of Israel.
He therefore encourages us to be Jehus and Jonadabs: to meet one another, yes, but even more, to shake hands before embarking on our shared projects. What does that mean? An openness of mind toward the other and toward their practice of faith. An attitude of love and mutual respect. But also a shared commitment to prayer and good works.
Intercessions
To be adapted or modified according to the place and circumstance
Lord, we entrust to you the Mediterranean Group of the Chemin Neuf Community. May it allow itself to be ever more inspired by your Holy Spirit, especially in these times of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. May their paths of listening and encounter at the level of Islamic–Christian dialogue and with the Christians of the East be lived ever more in humility and trust, in your footsteps. Protect each member of this group, especially those who are in Lebanon, Jerusalem, and Tibhirine.
Lord, we entrust to you the Palm Sunday Walk of Friday, March 27, 7pm, to be held at the Grand Temple de Lyon, that has been organized by the CREL (Committee of Church Leaders in Lyon). May this walk and prayer – made up of 7 stages in 7 churches, with 7 psalms for peace and unity among our Churches – bear fruit according to Your will.
Sarah Mullally will be installed as Archbishop of Canterbury on March 25. Wishing to assert independence from the Church of England, ten more conservative primates have created a Global Anglican Council and elected Laurent Mbanda as head of this new Anglican body, without seeking to create a schism.
Lord, we pray for the unity of the Anglican Communion in its great diversity. May it continue to bear witness to the goodness of God for all peoples and in every culture.
Prayer for Christian unity
Lord Jesus, who prayed that we might all be one,
we pray to you for the unity of Christians,
according to your will,
according to your means.
May your Spirit enable us
to experience the suffering caused by division,
to see our sin
and to hope beyond all hope.
Amen.
(Prayer written by members of the Chemin Neuf Community
inspired by a prayer of Father Paul Couturier)