B 148 - Pentecost 26 (Proper 29) Reign of Christ

Carolyn and Fran take a more thematic approach to this week’s readings (Revelation 1:4b-8 and John 18:33-37) on the occasion of Reign of Christ Sunday, and explore the subversive intent behind the church’s establishment of the celebration. We note the enigmatic character of the book of Revelation, but highlight the very worldly and promisory message it gives, especially to suffering peoples: the real authority over their lives is God, revealed in Christ, not fickle, earthly kings/emperors. We talk about Christ being the lens through which we understand ‘kingship’, and the nature of Christ being a mystery and puzzle to most who encounter him – as Pilate’s response to him in John 18 illustrates. We discuss ways of speaking ‘truth’: abstract, intellectual, and revealed person.

We mention the Bible Project’s Revelation Youtube clips

Ian Paul’s blog, Psephizo,  for occasional articles on Revelation, and links to his books