First ReadingAmos 2:6-10, 13-16*
From the Book of Amos
6The Lord says:
“For three transgressions of Israel, yes, for four,I will not turn away its punishment,because they have sold the righteous for silver,and the needy for a pair of sandals;7They trample the heads of the poor into the dust of the earthand deny justice to the oppressed.A man and his father use the same maiden, to profane my holy name.8They lay themselves down beside every altar on clothes taken in pledge.In the house of their God they drink the wine of those who have been fined.9Yet I destroyed the Amorite before them,whose height was like the height of the cedars,and he was strong as the oaks;yet I destroyed his fruit from above,and his roots from beneath.10Also I brought you up out of the land of Egyptand led you forty years in the wilderness,to possess the land of the Amorite. verses 11–12 are not read13Behold, I will crush you in your place,as a cart crushes that is full of grain.14Flight will perish from the swift.The strong won’t strengthen his force.The mighty won’t deliver himself.15He who handles the bow won’t stand.He who is swift of foot won’t escape.He who rides the horse won’t deliver himself.16He who is courageous among the mightywill flee away naked on that day,”
says the Lord.