But what does God think?
Part of being a pastor is dealing with impossible expectations for worship.
Some of my more evangelical Facebook friends regularly post calls to praise God. A few of them engage in those manipulative posts declaring, "If you love Jesus you will share this." Psalms of praise are often cited, and the need for us to worship God and to pray is highlighted.
Some of these same people regularly share posts that attack Muslims as vile and evil, or that imply people on food stamps are addicts and social leeches. And so when I read yesterday's passage from Isaiah in the daily lectionary of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Book of Common Worship, I couldn't help wanting to fling it at them.
When you come before me, who asked this from your hand? Trample my courts no more; bringing offerings is futile ... I cannot endure solemn assemblies with iniquity. Your new moons and your appointed festivals my soul hates.
See, God has no use for your worship when you don't care about the oppressed and the poor and weak.
