November 25, 2007 Sermon
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Proper 29 - C
November 25, 2007 Emmanuel, San Angelo
Today we bring the Christian year to a close. Next Sunday is the beginning of Advent. We call this "Christ the King Sunday." On Trinity Sunday we focus on the oneness of God. At Pentecost we focus on the Holy Spirit. Today we the focus our attention on Jesus Christ who reigns as King over all:
"Jesus
shall reign where'er the sun
Doth its successive journeys run;
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and wane no more."
(Hymn 544)
I want to be careful to stress that it is not out of arrogance or a desire to dominate others that we proclaim Christ as King. These days we know, and have to accept, that there are many religions in the world. All of them in their own way give glimpses of God and show different pathways to the Divine. Proclaiming Christ as King is not about taking away the importance of other religions or faith traditions. It is not like two football teams standing on opposite sides of the field, each shouting "We’re Number 1" and trying to score the most points. Rather this day is about putting life in its proper perspective.
Our Christian Faith teaches us that the "things" of this life are transitory: Earthly rulers, governors, presidents, monarchs--just like the nations and governments they rule, will all one day pass into the dust of history. Look at the great civilizations of the past: the Babylonians, the Greeks, the Egyptians, the Mayans, and the Inca. Civilizations come and civilizations go, but Christ alone stands fast forever. That is our belief. On that we stand.
Some are saying even now that our nation is in its twilight. Enemies seek to do us harm from without, and we seem to be crumbling from within. We live in the greatest country in the world, where life is as good as it gets. Yet we live in an age of problems that even the greatest rulers can’t seem to fix. There is still brokenness, sin, selfishness, illness, despondency, bigotry, rejection, and death. There are those who are hurting, those who are power-less, those who are in bondage to the "lesser gods" and rulers of this age.
Is there any message of hope? Is there anyone who can proclaim peace in the midst of war? Healing in the midst of suffering? Calm in the midst of chaos? Yes there is.
Just one reading of today's Gospel from Luke would tell you that this is not a normal story of royalty:
"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."
Through this lowly King, as the writer of Colossians says:
"God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross." (Col.1:20)
This is definitely not a "power-image" of a despot or potentate; not an earthly king who rules by "making heads roll". This is not a worldly leader who has to defend his country with armies, fear, torture, wire taps, or building fences along the border. This sovereign goes beyond the boundaries of politics and geography. As Christians, we believe this King was and is, different. What's more, we believe that we are made different by following his example.
To proclaim Jesus as King of Kings is to say that we believe in a God who does not abandon us to death and the grave; who gives us hope; who loves all people unconditionally; who leads by being servant. God calls us to do the same. As Christians we are invited to participate in a new and different reality. We who are the "subjects" are called to transform the world, to pledge our allegiance to the banner of the Prince of Peace. We live in an age that desperately needs to hear this message and herein is our call as members of Emmanuel Church. Christ has told us that the world is waiting. This is Good News just waiting to be shared!
Today we bring the Christian year to a close. Next week, with Advent the Christian year starts all over again. Out there, the holidays have begun in earnest. As we prepare ourselves and the church to tell the story of the birth of this very strange King, pray God to open our hearts, our minds, and our arms, to make us worthy subjects; and bring us into that heavenly Kingdom where, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
Copyright © 2003 Emmanuel Episcopal Church. All rights reserved.
Revised: 12/04/07