For the children's message Takako talked about the new year. The churches new year starts at Advent so this is the last Sunday in the current year. She talked about us being the body of Christ, we each have a different function, but all work together.
Pastor Krystin said the scripture today is normally only heard at a Good Friday service. She pointed out that it is the scripture chosen to be heard the week before Advent begins. She began by talking about the tv show Dancing with the Stars. We like winners. At times we may feel frustrated, like a loser, but that is not our goal. No one wants to be a loser. As a country we desire victory over anyone in our way. Our religious creed is even victorious, domination over all others, triumphant. The explorers came carrying a cross (and a sword).
The scripture is from Luke. He speaks of forgiveness, healing, togetherness in paradise. When we feel victimized do we first think of forgiveness or blame? Forgiveness is a huge step, it acknowledges the pain. There is no triumph here. In the scripture forgiveness comes first. The crowd is mocking Jesus, "Save yourself." We know the victory, so we don't want to dwell in the pain of this scrupture.
Why do bad things happen? Why do children die? Why do natural disasters happen? When we cry out are we seeking triumphalism? What are we actually crying for? what is at the heart of our questions?
"Remember me." Perhaps we can relate more to the criminal on the other side of Jesus. He says remember me in your kingdom. Jesus says today I will see you in paradise. Not maybe, not sometime in the future, but today. Remember me is the cry of those dying. The e-mails and phone calls as the towers fell during 9/11 were to "remember me!" Not here and now, not in this world, but Jesus remember me in your world.
Glamour, success, being at the top of the leader board surrounds us. Goals are necessary but a sense of entitlement and control is crossing to the dark side.
Christ the King Sunday began in 1925, during the Roaring 20's, an era of glamour. The pope wanted to remind everyone that Christ rules, not the chaos of the world.
Unfortunately others use this "king" as triumph over others. America says, "King? No way!" Yet we are infatuated with William(?) and Kate. Jesus rejects this title several times. Jesus is a "Cosmic Christ". He has been here since the beginning of time and will be here until the end of time. He is not superior. Jesus, according to Luke, is open, loving, embracing, merciful. He sat and talked to people. He was not embracing power and violence, that was the world's reaction to Him. He said, "Follow me" never "worship me". He had no place on the leader board. He was living among us, every moment, every day. Can we e like the criminal who has the clarity to see it? God frees us from the powers that bind us. With this Cosmic Christ, today you will be with me in paradise. This was not dominance, but a promise. Paradise is being with God. Literally dancing with the stars.
I don't know if I have printed this yet, but our Doxology, after the offering is collected :
God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending
God, whose giving knows no ending, from your rich and endless store;
Nature's wonder, Jesus' wisdom, costly cross, grave's shattered door;
Gifted by you, we give to you, off'ring up ourselves in praise,
Thankful song shall rise forever, gracious donor of our days.
The deacons provided a meal after the service. It was really good- pasta, garlic bread, meat and vegetables. They also always serve this incredible salad that I will try and get the recipe for before we leave.
We walked home on the path along Riverside Park since it is so pretty there. Of course we had to stop and play!
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