Weekly Reflection, Sunday, November 18, 2018
By: Bob Hetherington
Today marks the end of the church year. Next Sunday, Advent begins and we march toward Christmas. What sort of ending is it? In the Gospel reading, we have the conversation between Jesus and Pontius Pilate about the nature of kingship. This last Sunday after Pentecost is also known as Christ the King Sunday. The reign of Christ is affirmed. I am reassured that at the end of time and history God’s reign will prevail. The forces of darkness will be swallowed up in God’s love. The idea is so hopeful.
As we begin a new year, we have the opportunity to take stock of our lives. In the church context, it is time for New Year’s resolutions. How is your life different from what it was last year at this time? What are you saying goodbye to? What are you saying hello to? The spiritual journey moves forward. We cannot hold on to the past. We should not jump too far ahead in the future. We need to stay present in this moment. What is God saying to each of us in this moment of transition?
We count our blessings. St. Mary’s has a fine new rector who is getting his feet grounded in the life and history of the parish. The parish has been blessed with outstanding lay leadership which is engaged in everything from pastoral care to international mission work. We have wonderful parish buildings which remind us of the peace and quiet of the country. God has blessed us.
Now we move forward into a new church year. Who knows what adventures lie ahead. We journey in the hope that the kingship of Jesus will prevail. May God’s loving reign become a larger reality in our broken and confused world. In the new year may each of us become an instrument for God’s healing presence in the world.