Sunday next before Advent/Trinity XXV- John 6: 5-14

In the 1928 American BCP, the last Sunday of the church year is "the Sunday next before Advent." The Collect, the "liturgical Epistle" from Jeremiah , and the Gospel from St. John are those assigned for Trinity XXV in the 1662 Prayer Book. All three contain themes appropriate to anticipate Advent, but let us focus on the Gospel.

The Gospel (John 6:5-14 ) is the story of feeding the 5000. Although this familiar story has several themes or applications, on this Sunday, we notice that it reminds us of the expectations and hopes that Jesus fulfilled. When the people see His miracle with the small loaves and fish, they affirm that He is "that prophet that should come into the world" (St. John 6: 14 ). He is the one who was to come. He is the prophet like Moses predicted in Deuteronomy 18:15,18.  Indeed, Jesus is much greater than Moses. Not only is He divine, but He also establishes a covenant greater than the one established through the work of Moses (Hebrews 8:6). 

Certainly, Christian believers think that Jesus is much more than a prophet, but we still affirm that He is a prophet. In fact, Christian theology has often used prophet as one of the three functions (along with priest and king) that describe the work of Christ. Jesus is the long-expected prophet who is the culmination of  Hebrew prophecy. He completes and finishes God's revelation. He completes the work of redemption that begins with Adam, continues through Noah to Abraham, and is present in the ministry of Moses and subsequent Hebrew prophets. 

In conclusion as we end a Christian year on this Sunday, we look to Jesus Christ, greater than all the prophets. He was and is the One to come, the One greater than even Moses. Everything that precedes and follows Jesus finds its ultimate meaning in Him. 

Trinity XXIV- Colossians 1:9-10

For this Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Trinity, let us focus on some words from the Epistle. The Apostle recognizes the faith and discipleship of the Colossians, and then he adds, "For this cause, we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God..."(Col. 1:9-10).

Coming to faith in Jesus Christ as Savior is at the core of Christianity. It is the great essential in becoming Christian, in accepting God's redeeming work. Anything we accomplish without faith is spiritually worthless. Yet, as important as believing or trusting in Christ is, faith is one aspect of the Christian life. As the Apostle indicates to the Colossians, Christians should keep growing. Many people may recognize this fact and emphasize that living faith produces fruit in good deeds. Again, such a recognition is worthwhile.

However, many Christians ignore Paul's prayers and exhortations that believers should grow in knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. The Apostle does not want the Colossians or us to be like some of those at Corinth who remained "babes in Christ" (I Cor. 3:1). While some believers may always be immature, Scripture and Christian tradition are filled with examples of people from varied stations in life who grow in knowledge and wisdom. Let us pray that we too may continue to grow in our understanding of the Christian faith throughout life!

Trinity XXIII- Citizenship- Philippians 3:20

On the Twenty-Third Sunday after Trinity, the Scripture readings emphasize the appropriate attitude of believers to secular authorities. Many passages of Scripture point out the general duty of Christians to be law-abiding whenever they can in good conscience. Even corrupt governments may provide some degree of order and security. However, human authorities do not have ultimate authority; only God does.

In today's Epistle from Philippians, the Apostle Paul reminds Christians where our highest loyalty is. In Philippians 3:20, he writes, "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (BCP/Coverdale, NKJV, ESV). As Christians, we look to heaven and divine rule. We seek to apply our earthly citizenship within the higher context of our heavenly citizenship and our loyalty to our Lord Jesus Christ.    

Trinity XXII

For this week, my attention fell on the Collect for the Day for the Twenty-second Sunday after Trinity. It reads:

LORD, we beseech thee to keep thy household the Church in continual godliness; that through thy protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve thee in good works, to the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

This collect dates from at least the eighth century if not earlier. It contains basic themes that tie together the assigned Scripture lessons. It views the Church as a household or extended family under the guidance and protection of God the heavenly Father. He is the source of all goodness and godliness, and only through His gracious help can His human children do good.