The 25th Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 27A), Nov. 6, 2005

BCP: Amos 5:18-24; Psalm 70; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Matt. 25:1-13

RCL: Josh. 24:1-3a, 14-25 or Wisdom 6:12-16 or Amos 5:18-24 or Wisdom 6:17-20; Psalm 78: 1-7 or 70; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Matt. 25:1-13

A mirror gives us reflection. A mirror held far away gives a lot to reflect on. The lessons today hold up a mirror for us that is held in heaven. We see four things in this view — justice in this life, the return of Christ, our hope for the next life, and who makes it in.

Amos gives us that great quote, “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream.” (Was he quoting Martin Luther King or was it the other way ’round?) It is always the job of the Church of Jesus Christ to attempt to bring justice and righteousness in our society. Why? Because we know the starting point. Whether it be poverty, oppression, or racism, all have their source in these great equalizing truths. All are created in the image of God, all deserve the self-esteem heaven gives, and the love of God is found on the path to the downtrodden.

The triumphant return of Jesus which Paul describes establishes one thing — the incontrovertible fact that Jesus Christ is Lord of lords. All of history, all governing powers, all criteria for our destinies, are summed up in Jesus as Lord of all. He will return and he will judge, will establish justice and righteousness, will wipe away tears and reverse fortunes, will bring healing for all that his wings cover, will give the front rows to the lowly, will overturn religious wrongs far more easily than he overturned tables in the temple. He will claim his kingdom.

His followers, Paul says, will always be with him. Some are there now, and some will meet him “in the air.” What a great expression — sort of like his “blast of the trumpet.” As if we are to expect a grand trumpet en chamade to lower from heaven and blast! Of course not! We are to use our imaginations; Paul certainly is using his.

And lastly, not all make it in. The unwise virgins return and the door is shut. From the inside they hear those chilling words, “I never knew you.” Hard words for those of us who prefer the buffet style of what we take and leave of Christian teaching. But who serves up reality in that buffet? That prerogative belongs to the one holding the mirror.

The mirror on the right side of your car says, “The objects in this mirror may be larger than they appear.” These may indeed be larger — and also closer!

Look It Up

In Advent our attention is focused on the return of Christ. What do these themes add to the Advent perspectives?

Think About It

How do our flippant ways of speaking of the afterlife and who is there agree or disagree with the clear teaching in the gospel?

Next Sunday

The 26th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 28A), Nov. 13, 2005

BCP: Zeph. 1:7,12-18; Psalm 90 or 90:1-8, 12; 1 Thess. 5:1-10; Matt. 25:14-15,19-29

RCL: Judges 4:1-7 or Zeph. 1:7, 12-18; Psalm 123 or 90:1-8, (9-11), 12; 1 Thess. 5:1-11; Matt. 25:14-30