Waiting in Hope for the coming of the Christ child and the parousia

 Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-16  • Psalm 25:1-10  • 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13  • Luke 21:25-36

We finished Lectionary year B with apocalyptic readings, followed by Christ the King Sunday, and begin Lectionary Year C this first Sunday in Advent, a season in which we celebrate Christ's coming, with apocalyptic readings concerning the second coming of Christ, the Parousia (παρουσια - coming, presence).

Read "Advent:Waiting and Working for the Kingdom," by the Rev. Dr. J. Barney Hawkins, IV, and see how many ways you can think of how we can prepare and be part of the coming of Christ, now and tomorrow. How can a kingdom be made of a wasteland? Read "A Kingdom from a Wasteland," by Dave Barnhart. What are the wastelands of our lives, our community , church and society? What are we called to do about them? Why? Wait, and work, in hope for the promise. The good new is we do not have to wait in fear or despair. 

What is Truth?

 Today is Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday after Pentecost, and the last Sunday in Lectionary Year B. Next Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent, and the beginning of Lectionary Year C. Here is a link to today's Scripture. In today's gospel, Pilate asks Jesus, "What is truth?" What is Jesus’ reply? What do you say is truth? What, or who, do you believe? Consider Debie Thomas' "What is Truth?"

Also read Joshua Bowron's "Five Acts - Christ the King Sunday. 

Apocalypse- The End of the World as we know it

 

Apocalypse - The End of the World As We Know It

Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 and 1 Samuel 2:1-10 •Daniel 12:1-3 and Psalm 16 • Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25 • Mark 13:1-8  

It is fitting, at the close of Lectionary Year B, and before the beginning of Advent, that we consider endings. Apocalyptic and eschatological readings are sometimes read to portend of the end times. Apocalypse comes from the Greek αποκαλυψισ, interpreted as a revelation, an appearance, a manifestation. Eschatology is sometimes referred to as the study of the end times, but on a different level, addresses the meaning of history, the ultimate destiny of humanity. Most modern eschatology and apocalypticism, both religious and secular, involves the violent disruption or destruction of the world, whereas Christian and Jewish eschatologies view the end times as the consummation or perfection of God's creation of the world. For example, according to ancient Hebrew belief, life takes a linear (and not cyclical) path; the world began with God and is constantly headed toward God’s final goal for creation. Rudolph Bultmann in his "History and Eschatology: the Presence of Eternity," sees Christ as the eschaton (εσχατον),  the presence and focal point of realizing the ultimate meaning of our lives. A lot has been written, jokingly and seriously, about the end of the Mayan calendar..

In the gospel account this week, the disciples marvel at the huge stones of Herod's temple. Jesus tells them: "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down." Many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birthpangs."

Image of God

  1 Samuel 1:4-20; 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25; Mark 13:1-8

What do you think of when you think about God? What is your image of God? Is God one who dishes out rewards and punishment depending on our actions? Is God a God of wrath, or love - or both, or somewhere in between? Do you believe in God?

What do you think about God when there is injustice, futility, casualties, violence, disasters, and heart break?

What do you think about judgment, the Judgment Day, the apocalypse?

Where is God in all of this? What does Jesus have to say about this?

Consider the couple struggling with infertility, and compare your thoughts with those of The Rev. Danae M. Ashley in "JourneyThroughGrief. "

What Are We Running For... or From?

 Scripture: Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 and Psalm 127  • 1 Kings 17:8-16 and Psalm 146  • Hebrews 9:24-28  • Mark 12:38-44

Tired of our busyness, workaholic, everything depends on me, rat race? Not enough time in the day? Everything seems to go so fast?

Do yourself a favor, take a few minutes, read and savor the words of beautiful Psalm 127, and read Debie Thomas' "What Are We Building?

For a lesson on the gospel account of the Widow's Mite and the Widow encountered by Elijah read Widows Who Gave All.

Image link.