Today in Paradise

Last Sunday After Pentecost, Proper 29

Christ the King

When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing. The people stood by, watching Jesus on the cross; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews."

One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Luke 23:33-43

This Sunday, we end the long season of Pentecost and begin the four weeks of Advent. The church year begins next Sunday as we walk the road of preparation to Christmas. The world is already very focused on Christmas and the ads we receive through print, TV and social media are overwhelming. Today, we Christians focus on why we are here and why we gather to worship. God in the flesh came among us, walked the walk of humans and died cruelly and painfully crucified among the worst of sinners. But that was not the end, he rose again and took the worst sinners to eternal paradise. For this, Christ is king of all.

We hear the story of Jesus on the cross as the world around prepares for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We remind ourselves of the shame, humility and pain of the cross. We remind ourselves that God came among us so that we might live. We are invited, as this long season of Pentecost ends, to renew our faith as those who follow the one who made room in paradise for the miserable offenders, the worst among us, the least worthy and the hardened perpetrators.

Today, as the new church year begins, I ask God to help me prepare my heart anew for the coming of Jesus. May we all welcome the honesty of our failures and frailty, knowing that God with Us, is redeeming even these.

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.