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. . . As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord . . . Joshua 25:15b
Proper 29 Yr B
The oldest known icon of Christ Pantocrator, encaustic on panel (Saint Catherine's Monastery). Many agree that the icon represents the dual nature of Christ, illustrating traits of both man and God, perhaps influenced by the aftermath of the ecumenical councils of the previous century at Ephesus and Chalcedon. Christ's features on his right side (the viewer's left) are supposed to represent the qualities of his human nature, while his left side (the viewer's right) represents his divinity. His right hand is shown opening outward, signifying his gift of blessing, while the left hand and arm are clutching a thick Gospel book.
Published date 11/21/2024
Introduction
Introduction
"Christ the King" Sunday. Or "The Reign of Christ" Sunday. Thinking about Christ being my king or reigning over me makes me ponder how I show that he is my king. In feudal times, the vassal knelt before the king, proffered clasped hands to the king to signal the offer. In taking the clasped hands into his own hands, the king accepts the offer. It's kinda good to know we don't have to wait for the king to accept us; Christ already has. The vassal also had to promise "fealty" to his lord, meaning a promise not to harm the lord or his property. Therein lies the rub. When we behave in "non-Christ-like" ways, aren't we harming our King and damaging his name and reputation? How will you swear fealty to Christ on this his special Sunday (and the remainder of your life)? Comments welcome.
John 18:33-37
John 18:33-37
Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
From sermon4kids.com: “Yes, Jesus was a king, but he wasn’t interested in running around free and doing things his way. He was only interested in doing the will of his Father. He was born to be king, but his kingdom is not on this earth—it is in heaven. He only came to earth to make a way for us to live with him in heaven.”
Scripture: November 24, 2024 (Proper 29)—2 Samuel 23:1-7 (image); Psalm 32:1-13 (14-19) (image); Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 (image); Psalm 93 (image); Revelation 1:4b-8 (image); and John 18:33-37 (image).
Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Reflection: Jesus is exalted over the whole of creation through his loving allegiance to God alone. His life, death, and resurrection reveal that true power is found through loving service, and it is this that makes him King. If his life and death give a radically new meaning to the words “king” and “kingship” and how justice is enacted in love, how does this change your understanding of power? How does it change the way you live?
(excerpted from Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year B, Volume 2 © 2014 Westminster John Knox Press)
A video/audio journey through the scripture.
Symbols of the Church
Symbols of the Church
Orbed Cross: Also known as the Triumphant Cross and Cross of Victory, this cross is a symbol of the office of the king and of our glorified Lord. It is often used in Christian art atop the scepter of Jesus as He reigns in glory. This cross consists of a small Latin cross resting upon a banded globe. For Christians, the Orbed Cross symbolizes the final triumph and reign of Christ over the world and the triumph of the Gospel throughout the earth. It is the cross of Pentecost and stands for the establishment of the church in the world (Acts 2), thus it is appropriate to use it in presenting world missions.
excerpted from Gross Point United Methodist Church website
Click here for a page of symbols described in this publication.
Images enhancing
the scripture
Byzantine mosaic showing Jesus Christ, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, 6th century
"The return" by James B Janknegt, 21st century
Here Christ sits within a mandorla surrounded by the four Evangelist symbols. He holds a book and raises his right hand in blessing, representing his Second Coming at the end of time. In this presentation, the artist included figures of four Old Testament prophets and patriarchs: Baruch, Jeremiah, Moses, and Daniel. Turning to look at Christ from the four corners of the miniature, they hold scrolls with words celebrating God's glory. 12th century
The picture shows the central panel of a triptych which originally decorated the great organs of the church Santa Maria la real at Najera, in Castile. The panel represents the Blessing Christ surrounded by six singing angels. The side panels represent two other groups of musician angels accompanying the choir. 15th century
Music founded
in the scripture
“King ever glorious“, from Stainer’s “The Crucifixion”
“Worthy is the Lamb“, by Pepper Choplin sung by choir from India
“The Kingdom of God is justice and peace“, Taize community
Other voices
about the scripture
“Oh, may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts
and blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep us in His grace,
and guide us when perplexed;
And guard us through all ills
in this world, till the next!”
(verse 2, “Now Thank We All Our God,” by Martin Rinkart)
“King of the world“, a reflection by Neil Chappell
“Christ the King“, a reflection by Sarah Dylan from sarahlaughed.net
Movies representing some part of the scripture
“Chariots of Fire” (1981, PG), 2 champions at 1924 Olympics, “ultimate allegiance”, choosing between God & coiuntry, Review; Pew review
“End of Days” (1999, R), satan trying to take over the world, “made-to-order action drama about the Anti-Christ”, Review
“12 Monkeys” (1995, R), “weird meditation”, Review
For families: Study guide and activities (another guide); group activities; snack; kid video.
For children: See family guide/activities (another activity); bulletin; craft;
For middlers: See family guide/activities (another activity); bulletin; craft.
For youth: This Sunday is the last Sunday of the church year. It's also called "Reign of Christ" Sunday. Let's assess where we are. Jesus Christ has lived among us, has died, rose from the dead, and is seated at the right hand of God—on the throne, the King. In the United States we don't have royalty but we certainly "revere" some folks much more than others. So how do you acknowledge that Christ is King? What specifically do you do to accord him the position of King in your life? Comments welcome.
Coloring page (all ages): This week the focus is on 2 Samuel.
Today is the final Sunday of the church year. Through the year the liturgy unfolds, Sunday by Sunday, the full story of God’s redemption in Jesus’ earthly life, his ministry, his death, resurrection and ascension, his sending the Holy Spirit, and then, in the past several months, his teaching. Now, on this final Sunday, all of this is summed up, and we celebrate the universal rule of Christ over all creation.
The Gospel reading, from John’s account of the Passion of Jesus, recalls that it was not through power but through the self-giving love of Jesus as he endured his passion and death that he was revealed as Messiah and King.
Using II Samuel: The first reading gives the last words of King David. As he dies, he is given a prophet’s vision. His word is that from his descendants will come the great and ultimate ruler of the people of God. Christians in the first generation understood this to be a foretelling of the reign of Christ over the universe.
Using Daniel: The sending of the Messiah by God as his divine agent in redemption was foreseen by the book of Daniel, in which the coming of the Messiah is the sign of the end of time. The second reading is the opening verses of the Revelation to John, in which the ascended Christ speaks of his universal rule, as the beginning and end of all things.
We end the liturgical year today gathered to contemplate the End which is to come, when Christ will be revealed as King, as the ruler of all things. Even now, as we gather, week by week, in the Eucharist, our liturgy reveals a foretaste of the reign of Christ that is to come.
From The Rite Light: Reflections on the Sunday Readings and Seasons of the Church Year. Copyright © 2007 by Michael W. Merriman. Church Publishing Incorporated, New York.
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