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This resource relating to Amos 8:4-7 provides a poem by Claude McKay (1890-1948) using birds of prey to symbolize oppressive forces and a poem by Barbara Crooker (1928-2014) highlighting the theme of greed.
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Lectionary:
Revised Common Lectionary
Source:
Englewood Review
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Poetry
Lectionary Poetry – Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost (Year C)
September 12, 2022 11:34 amViews: 528
With the dawn of a new church year, we have launched a new feature on our website, a weekly post of poetry that resonates with the lectionary readings for that week.
*** Revised Common Lectionary ***
Lectionary Reading:
Amos 8:4-7
CLASSIC POEM:
Birds of Prey
Claude McKay
Their shadow dims the sunshine of our day,
As they go lumbering across the sky,
Squawking in joy of feeling safe on high,
Beating their heavy wings of owlish gray.
They scare the singing birds of earth away
As, greed-impelled, they circle threateningly,
Watching the toilers with malignant eye,
From their exclusive haven — birds of prey.
They swoop down for the spoil in certain might,
And fasten in our bleeding flesh their claws.
They beat us to surrender weak with fright,
And tugging and tearing without let or pause,
They flap their hideous wings in grim delight,
And stuff our gory hearts into their maws.
*** This poem is in the public domain,
and may be read in a live-streamed worship service.
CONTEMPORARY POEM:
Greed: A Fable
Barbara Crooker
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Key Scriptures:
Amos 8:4-7
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RCL Lectionary Week:
Year C Proper 20 (Ordinary Time 25)
Date:
Monday, September 12, 2022