I heard a discussion on the radio about what word would best describe this year. I think ‘confused’, ‘uncertain’, ‘astounded’ are all words that could come into play. I can’t remember what word they decided upon. However, this year in a very short space of time we have had three prime ministers and a new monarch. It is certainly not what we expected at the beginning of the year. Of course, this doesn’t even begin to take into account the situation in Ukraine or the cost of living crisis. All in all this year has had a strange mix of emotions between hopefulness as the effect of COVID lessens and sheer confusion.
I am very pleased that the readings for this Sunday talk of things improving. At the moment in the Church we are moving speedily towards the Advent season. As we travel we think of judgement and the end of time.
In the reading from Job (19:23-27a) we read that even though he had undergone the most incredible misfortune and tests of faith he was still convinced by his faith. This faith was that everything would be ok in the end. This was because his redeemer lived, and not only this but Job knew that he would see Him at the end. I find this to be one of those very humbling moments caused by the Bible. Life was really tough for Job, not only was it tough but his friends decided to point out to him that it was all probably his fault and God was of course punishing him. My first reaction to this is that Job should have found some better friends! Of course, after much searching and some anger with God, Job finally came to see that God is not punishing him and also that He is with him. What a challenge to us. Do we always think that everything will be ok and as we trust God, things will not only change but we will see God.
In the epistle reading (2 Thessalonians 2:1-5,13-17) we read of Paul giving the Thessalonians a warning. The warning is that at the second coming of Jesus people were to be ready and not just this but when it happens they were not to panic, they were to stand firm in their faith. People might wonder why the end times haven’t come yet, however what Paul was doing here was encouraging the believers to be ready, and to trust. I particularly like the way that the passage concludes in verses 16-17,
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace, gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.”
The gospel reading (Luke 20:27-38) records the time when some Sadducees went to Jesus and asked Him a most perplexing question. They asked him about a woman who married 7 brothers, and wondered who would be the woman’s husband at the resurrection of life, that is, in heaven. Jesus pointed out that they were judging things by earthly and not heavenly standards. It makes sense really that in heaven our perspective and understanding will change in ways that we can’t even begin to imagine and Jesus made that point.
There is a promise in our readings that things will change. This is beyond a ‘things can’t get any worse’ feeling to a ‘things will change for the better’ and not just better from our own perspective but better in a way that we can not even begin to imagine let alone understand.
Now that's a change worth waiting for.
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