Sunday, November 26, 2023

Monday prior to Advent 1

 

The new church year (with a series of new readings this year’s Gospel will mainly focus on the Gospel of Mark and occasionally a series of readings from John) begins with the Second Coming. It is the one Sunday of the year which features the return of Christ as the main subject.

In light of the interest in the Second Coming, the church would do well to consider this doctrine of the church and teaching of the New Testament. The Gospel lesson (Mark 13:33-37) calls upon us to be on the alert for the sudden, unannounced coming of Christ. The world’s cry for God to come to His people is heard in the Old Testament lesson. (Isaiah 64:1-9) Paul refers to the Second Coming in the Epistle (1 Corinthians 1:3-9) by assuring His people that they have every spiritual gift as they wait for Christ’s return. The Psalmist calls upon the Lord’s return to help and save His people. (Psalm 80:1-7)

Psalm 25:1-3 - The Antiphon for this coming Sunday is from Zechariah 9:9b, “Behold Your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation.”  This passage of Scripture will be quoted on Palm Sunday as Jesus rides triumphantly into the city of Jerusalem. On Psalm Sunday Jesus declared Himself to be the promise Royal King.  He was not the type of King the people were hoping for hence His disciples deserted him which the leadership crucified Him. On the Last Great Day, the Day of days “every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” -Philippians 2:10-11 On that day all will acknowledge Him as the King above all kings.

Our king comes not in triumph as a military hero by rather in humility and meekness. David and his sons did not ride horses but rather mules (see 2 Samuel 18:9; 1 Kings 1:33).

Collect for Psalm 25: Lord God, you show us your ways of compassion and love and you spare sinners. Remember not our sins; relieve our misery; satisfy the longing of your people; and fulfill all our hopes for eternal peace through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. [1]



[1] Collect for Psalm 25, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol.III © 1995 by The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

Image: Advent © Ed  Riojas, Higher Things


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