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by Rev. Da Vita D. McCallister
Scripture: Amos 5:24 — "But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never failing steam."
HARTFORD (04/17/2012) -- I don't remember the first time I heard this Scripture but I do know that I wasn't thinking about an actual river. I am sure that I was a child and I thought of rivers as free flowing and smooth bodies of water. As I aged, I learned that some rivers are violent. I also learned that flowing waters change the land around them. Pushing at their original boundaries, sometimes shrinking, and other times growing.
When "justice rolls like a river" it pushes the boundaries as well, challenging everyone in the path to move from "just us" thinking to "justice" for all. These movements can be smooth and free flowing. But sometimes they are violent. The disruption of preconceived notions and unquestioned beliefs hitting the cold reality of equality. Or the hate-filled words of one crashing against an ally for the margins, who refuses to remain silent.
But whether smooth or violent, justice must roll on until every dry place has been watered and until the river banks reflect the vision of God: A place where we no longer need to take the shortest month of the year to celebrate the accomplishments of Americans from African or Caribbean descent; because each day is a day where their worth, contributions, dignity, and patriotism are seen flowing like a leaf on the smooth river of justice.
The Rev. Da Vita D. McCallister is Associate Conference Minister for Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Sign up to receive the weekly Spirit Calendar reflections via email at ctucc.org/fido.
