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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