From Caroline - [email protected], 01285 712467
Readings for Sunday: Daniel 7.9-10, 13-14; Revelation 1.4b-8; John 18.33-37
This Sunday brings us to the end of the Church’s year, as we reach the last Sunday before Advent begins. Traditionally we know this day as ‘Stir Up Sunday’, the day on which to cook up your Christmas puddings, prompted by the BCP Collect for this day: Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
More recently though, the Church, both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England, alongside some others; have recognised this Sunday as the festival of Christ the King – reminding us of the final image of the Christian year – of Christ reigning in splendour at the final end and fulfilment of God’s Creation.
As with all things in our faith though, this final, completing image doesn’t just leave us on a high. It connects back, making us think and reflect before we continue our pilgrimage forward. As we celebrate Christ in glory we remember his words to his disciples: “My kingdom is not from this world.” Christ’s Kingdom is not like earthly kingdoms, nor is he a King like other kings. Our King of kings and Lord of lords wasn’t raised up to be crowned on a bejewelled throne. He was raised up on a cross with a crown of thorns upon his head. Our Servant King reigns, most certainly, but not through the types of powers and dominions that we’ve gotten used to here on earth. To see Christ enthroned is to remember the Cross, to remember his humble birth, and to remember that in Him we need to forget our expectations and our prejudices because in Him all things are made new. Kingship included.
And to connect us back to that wonderful BCP prayer – this reflection and remembrance should indeed stir us up! We have a vision for the future, a hope that can lift us and carry us when the world seems so very far from that goodness that Jesus offers us. We are a pilgrim people – always walking in the footsteps of the one who is the Way, the Truth and the Life – but our destination is always before us. May we be stirred to walk this road, to do this work, because the one who calls is faithful, and his power is what will lead us home at last.
Rev’d Caroline
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