What does it mean to recognize and receive Christ as King? On this last Sunday after Pentecost, Canon Jonathan reminds us why it matters so deeply. Only the reign of Jesus can anchor our hope and provide a way forward in a world filled with leaders who often misuse their power and harm the vulnerable. Many in Jesus’ day misunderstood him, because they couldn’t imagine a king who wouldn’t use his power to save himself. But some saw him clearly. Like the thief on the cross, the humble recognize their need and receive Christ the King as he is.
What does it mean to recognize and receive Christ as King? On this last Sunday after Pentecost, Canon Jonathan reminds us why it matters so deeply. Only the reign of Jesus can anchor our hope and provide a way forward in a world filled with leaders who often misuse their power and harm the vulnerable. Many in Jesus’ day misunderstood him, because they couldn’t imagine a king who wouldn’t use his power to save himself. But some saw him clearly. Like the thief on the cross, the humble recognize their need and receive Christ the King as he is.
In today’s lesson, we are reminded of God’s purpose and design for marriage—the loving union between a man and a woman that reflects God’s love for his people, Christ’s love for his Church. Canon Jonathan debunks two common misconceptions about marriage: first, that “marriage doesn’t matter”; and second, that “our marriage is about us.” We ought to esteem marriage; but ultimately, the love between a man and a woman is not what matters most. For marriage is and always has been an indicator something greater—the love of Christ for the Church. And it is for this love that all Christians, married and unmarried alike, fervently await.