The prophet Amos, an arborist and shepherd, speaks as a lightning rod to those who “trample on the needy” while calling themselves faithful to God. Speaking on God’s behalf, Amos declares that wrath awaits those who are negligent in their care for others. It’s a startling consequence for a nation of “rampant narcissism,” as Joan Chittister characterizes the United States in her book The Time Is Now.
This passage from Amos has a picturesque beginning. God places before Amos a basket of summer fruit—fruit that has warmed in the summer months and is now ripe. God asks Amos what he sees, and Amos replies, “A basket of ripe fruit.” Warm, fuzzy peaches and plump pears bursting with flavor, ready to exercise their purpose: to provide vitamins and other nutrients to energize people for living. If the fruit does not fulfill its purpose, it will soften, brown, bruise, and rot into the earth.
As it is with God’s peaches and pears, so it is with God’s people. The time is ripe, warns the prophet; the time is now. God’s rage will not be held at bay. Do something with the energy I have given you. Give yourself to the hungers and needs around you, like a ripe, sweet, juicy peach is consumed at breakfast.
