Proper 29--Reign of Christ

Preparation

         Please begin by reading Luke 23:33-43 in your Bible. If you do not have one at hand, we have provided that text for you at the end of this reflection.

Reflection--The Reign of Christ

   The church of Jesus tells her story in annual cycles, with ancient patterns and rhythms.  One such cycle ends this week with "Christ the King" or "Reign of Christ" Sunday.  In some years, it is a day for celebration of the marvelous promise of Jesus' return in glory--the ultimate conquest of evil and a new heaven and a new earth of peace and justice.  This time we end the year looking at a passage we most associate with Lent, another season in the cycle.  It is a powerful reminder that the reign of Jesus is not just about clouds and blinding light and glory.  As one commentator puts it:

"The Gospel today shows us the new focal point of the covenant, of God's presence among us.  It is no longer in the anointed king, nor in those on whom honors are bestowed.  It is in Jesus, brought low into the shadow of death, unjustly condemned, yet speaking with confidence to the one who asked to be remembered, of the reality of the covenant of God with humankind."

This part of the story is no less a story of power than the story of Jesus' return to earth in clouds of glory.  This story is a story of the power of restraint and humility, of sacrifice and incredible focus.  It is also a paradigm of Christian living; an important part of what it means to be one who would live his or her life in imitation of Christ. 

The reign of Christ carries with it joy and glory, but it is not about self aggrandizement.  In the midst of suffering from persecution born of human ignorance, Jesus' prays for the forgiveness of his persecutors.  In the midst of unimaginable pain, he pays attention to what is most important; the needs of those around him, even the needs of a justly condemned criminal, for restored relationship with God.  In the midst of death, Jesus is about restoration to ultimate life!

Particularly in these days when our own community as GLBT people is the subject of mockery born of ignorance, we do well to follow Jesus' example.  The reign of Christ comes in prayer for our persecutors and not allowing them to distract us from what is really important--those around us who need not so much to see our righteous indignation, as justified as that may be, but to see Jesus.

revclay

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Luke 23:33-43

    When they came to the place that is called "The Skull," they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.  Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."  And they cast lots to divide his clothing.  And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!"  The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying,  "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!"  There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews."