Sunday, November 13, 2022
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
23rd Sunday after Pentecost
Proper 28

The Revised Common Lectionary passages for the Lord’s Day are:
– First Reading: Isaiah 65:17-25
– Psalm – Isaiah 12
– Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
– Gospel Reading: Luke 21:15-19

The liturgical color for the day is: Green

In the gospel of Luke, we hear the exchange between Jesus and the disciples.  As they emerge from the temple they are in amazement of the great stature and beauty of the place.  There is something about it.  It is breathtaking.

There is a permanence there that one can see.  It is the sort of place that will stand forever.  So, when Jesus says that not a stone will stand there is a perceived impossibility to what he says.  It is, as if, it cannot make sense.  Nothing can happen to the grandness of the temple.

Right there is the Lukan truth.  For the ones for whom Luke is writing, it has already happened.  The temple is no more.  The very place that had this permanence about it was in ruins and destruction was all around.  They are dealing with the reality of destruction being all around them, Jesus’ words ring true, “By your endurance you will gain your souls.”

While the Temple comes to an end, it proves not to be the end of all things.  What things may be coming to an end in our understanding of the church as an institution?  How do these things not mark the end of the church?

The same is true of our lives.  Some things in our lives come to an end.  It does not mean the end of all things.  What do we push against and try and prevent from coming to an end?  What if, we allowed, or even welcomed such endings so that there is room for that which is new and next in our lives? 

—

Rev. Dr. Daris Bultena
General Presbyter and Stated Clerk