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Christ the King Sunday

24 November 2019

Jeremiah's promise of the execution of "justice and righteousness in the land" finds ironic fulfillment in the execution of Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.  It appears so utterly contradictory that the king should be crucified with the criminal.  This victory appears for all the world as ignominious defeat.  Yet through the gate of death our Lord opens the door to paradise.

Jeremiah 23:1-6

Today's reading builds on the common ancient Near Eastern metaphor of the king as shepherd.  Judah's unjust rulers have caused their people, their "flock," to be scattered.  Nevertheless, the Lord will raise up a new and righteous shepherd who will rule a restored Judah.

Psalm 46

I will be exalted among the nations.

Colossians 1:11-20

An early Christian hymn praises the mystery of the political, personal, and mystical Christ, the one who was present at creation and is eternally reigning with God.

Luke 22:33-43

Amid scoffing and slander from those who sarcastically call him Messiah and king, Jesus reveals that to be Messiah and king is to give one's life for others.  Here he uses his power to welcome a despised sinner to paradise but puts his own death into God's hands.

(Source:  Sundays and Seasons, Year C 2019)

First Sunday of Advent

1 December 2019

The new church year begins with a wake-up call:  Christ is coming soon!  In the Sunday's readings both Paul and Jesus challenge us to wake from sleep, for we know neither the day nor hour of the Lord's coming.  Isaiah proclaims the day when God will gather all people on the holy mountain and there will be no more war or suffering.  Though we vigilantly watch for the promised day of salvation, we wait for what we already have:  Christ comes among us this day as the word and meal that strengthens our faith in the promises of God.

Isaiah 2:1-5

The visionary message presented in this reading focuses on a future day when God establishes a universal reign of peace.  Divine decisions will make war obsolete, and the worshiping community responds:  "Let us walk in the light of that Lord now!"

Psalm 122

I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord."

Romans 12:11-14

Paul compares the advent of Christ to the coming of dawn.  We live our lives today in light of Christ's coming in the future.

Matthew 24:36-44

Jesus describes his second coming as a sudden, turbulent event that will bring about deep change to our normal, day-to-day lives.  Therefore, he urges people to stay awake, be aware, and wait expectantly, because he Son of Man will come unannounced.

(Source:  Sundays and Seasons, Year A 2020)

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