Advent 1 marks a new beginning of the church year, a theological transition between what has happened in the past – and what God has instore for the future!
In our Second Reading from 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13…..
Paul is exuberant with gratitude for the Thessolonica congregation that Timothy has reported on – and now Paul writes to them…..
Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world…….John 18: 33ff
Our gospel reading on Christ the King Sunday comes during Jesus’ last hours before his death. Jesus has been handed over to the Pilate, the Roman governor. They tell Pilate that Jesus is a criminal whom they want to put to death. So, Pilate questions Jesus, asking if he is the “King of the Jews.”
My wife and I have been married for 44 years. There are several things that I continue to do over the period of time that really upset her – one of the big things is my refusal to make sure the unused bread bag is tied up after I have grabbed a slice from it. My wife loves fresh bread – and so do I – but because I often forget to tie the bread bag – the bread in the bag dries out and becomes stale.
I think about the “bread issue” that my wife and I have today – because it really ties in to Reformation Sunday – this Sunday at St. Luke’s! Luther found the church that he was a part of in 1517 to be quite stale – the message of Jesus’ love had dried up – and what was being preached from the pulpits throughout Europe was dry, tasteless and bad.
I ask you today – what is holding you back. What is the cloak that might be defining you in ways that are inhibiting your growth in faith?
I invite you to let this Bible story speak to you – if you are hurting, feeling alone, in need of healing – let go of what binds you and find healing and wholeness in the powerful healing power as Bartimaeus found out in this profound story!!!
17As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.’ ” 20The man said to Jesus, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” 21Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22When the man heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Mark 10:17-22
Most of you know that I have been a Park Ridge Police Chaplain for the past five years. It has been an honor to serve in this capacity. During my tenure, I have been responsible for being an “on-call chaplain” when police officers seek to have spiritual support during a “call”. I have also had the privilege to organize the 9/11 Remembrance services during the past several years at the request of the Park Ridge Police Chief, Frank Kaminski.
The disciples have been discussing who is the most important among them. They have heard Jesus teach about denying self and saving your life by losing it, but they are still focused on what’s in it for them. They see following Jesus as the fast track to power and prestige.
When our children were young and still living at home – I would often joke with folks who would compliment our children for their behavior and manners. I would say that we actually have six children – the three that people see in public and the three that live in our house that we saw on a daily basis.
A precondition for compassion is the unconditional solidarity with the ones for whom you stand.