Old Testament
Amos 5:21-24
21 I hate, I despise your feasts, and I can’t stand your solemn assemblies.
22 Yes, though you offer me your burnt offerings and meal offerings, I will not accept them; neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat animals.
23 Take away from me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.
24 But let justice roll on like rivers, and righteousness like a mighty stream.
New Testament
1 Corinthians 10:23-31
23 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are profitable. “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things build up.
24 Let no one seek his own, but each one his neighbour’s good.
25 Whatever is sold in the butcher shop, eat, asking no question for the sake of conscience,
26 for “the earth is the Lord’s, and its fullness.”
27 But if one of those who don’t believe invites you to a meal, and you are inclined to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no questions for the sake of conscience.
28 But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” don’t eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for the sake of conscience. For “the earth is the Lord’s, with all its fullness.”
29 Conscience, I say, not your own, but the other’s conscience. For why is my liberty judged by another conscience?
30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced for something I give thanks for?
31 Whether therefore you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Amos speaks with holy sharpness: God will not be comforted by songs that never reach the street. Festivals, offerings, music - all of it becomes noise if justice is absent. 'Let justice roll down like waters.' Not a trickle. Not a mood. A public, living force.
Paul gives the Church a searching question for ordinary choices: does this build up? Christian freedom is not measured by what I can defend, but by what helps my neighbour. The test is not only liberty, but love.
Walking and cycling may seem small things, but they reveal what kind of life we are willing to make room for. A hurried road, a hostile junction, a pavement too broken for confidence, a crossing too brief for the slower body - these are not only inconveniences. They show whether the weaker traveller is noticed or shrugged aside. Lord, save us from worship that stays indoors. Teach us to follow Christ with attention as well as conviction. Make us patient on the road, careful with one another, and unwilling to treat anyone as expendable. Let our streets grow more merciful. Let justice run where people actually walk.