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Folks,
The lessons for this Sunday include from 2 Samuel beginning with the words "These are the last words of David" and continue with quite an analysis of what might constitute a "good king". The epistle lesson is from Revelations - not generally considered an epistle yet it is indeed in the form of a letter. In it the writer (St John of Patmos) which describes in vivid terms a spectacular sense of spiritual otherworldliness of this God-King. The gospel lesson from John details the familiar conversation Jesus had with Roman Governor Pontius Pilate who begins by asking "Are you the King of the Jews?" All three lessons are apt for a Sunday christened in later days as The Sunday of Christ the King and all three are useful. But in the lesson from John it is important to note that Jesus never once says "I am a King" since earthly power was not at all why he "came into this world". Note also that this is in stark contrast even to David, a "good king" as exemplified by the (rather long) appointed Psalm 132 which begins "Lord, remember David" and is a sort of paean to David (did he pay the psalmist to produce it?) (In the above you can detect my "American" sensibilities coming out - not at all keen on having royalty "above" me - yet it certainly was the norm in David's time - and that of Jesus as well, and even today people seem somewhat keen on following the antics of royals - especially British ones.) Our Diocesan News tells us that this feast of Christ the King "was first added to the Christian calendar by Pope Pius XI in 1925, in the bitterly divided aftermath of World War I? At this time, an increasingly secular Europe was also experiencing a distressing rise in support of nationalism and fascism. Pope Pius XI conceived the feast of Christ the King as a way to remind Christians that our primary allegiance is not to any earthly ruler or nation, but to Jesus Christ." It is poignant reminder to pray for (and work for!) good governance. But by Jesus, who never says "I am a king", I am reminded of the film "Candy" about a woman named "Candy Christian" (some will recall it is for me a meme movie) who at the beginning seems to emerge from a bubble dropped on the earth. After a serious of events in which she tries to be "good" for others, to varying degrees of failure, at the end of the movie she is taken up in a bubble and out of "this world'. Just before the she walks on a grassy field with canvas "booths" (as at a fair) where the various groups of people see her go by before she is taken up. They reach out to her but she continues on her way and into the bubble. The Lord came into this world to try to help many find the right kind of "kingdom" to varying degrees of failure. Fortunately Jesus didn't leave us alone, but sent his Spirit to be ever with us when we reach out. May we all reach out to the Spirit of God. Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matthew Parish! Events St Matthew Parish will be having Morning Prayer this Sunday at 10am, weather permitting. For us at the ranch the predicted rainfall will be quite an event assuming it materialises. It has been such a dry winter that a small (20 acres) fire erupted near the ranch. Our friends (heroes really) of the CDF put out the fire in not much more than an hour! Our fellow mission St Luke Parish of Jolon, will be doing the same with our friend and correspondent Rachel Denny preaching. Other Events St Benedict Church in Los Osos is having a Thanksgiving Gathering on the Big Day (Nov 28) at 4pm, beginning with a time of prayer and followed by a delicious meal and a chance to share in conversation and community. If you are able, bring a dish to share. St James Parish in Paso Robles is having a Women's Christmas Luncheon Dec7 from 11:30am to 2pm. To RSVP call the parish office at 805.238.0819. If you are able, bring an unwrapped gift for a child and a can of food for later distribution. Rector Rob Keim of St Barnabas Church in Arroyo Grande tells us he is singing with the SLO Master Chorale, a 115 person community chorus, at a concert on Sunday, November 24th at 3pm at the Cal Poly Performing Art Center. Tickets may be purchased at pacslo.org St Peter Church in Morro Bay is presenting to staged readings including "An Interview with Gladys Walton" and a 1940 classic radio play, "My Client Curley". This Double Feature of staged readings will be performed Thanksgiving weekend only Friday and Saturday November 29 and 30 at 7pm Sunday, December 1 at 3 o'clock. For info and tickets bytheseaproductions.org or call 805-776-3287. As mentioned, St Luke Church in Atascadero will be holding a Christmas Bazaar, Fri Dec 6 from 9am to 6pm. St Paul Cathedral Parish in San Diego will at this Sunday's Forum have Rev Dr Charlie Bell discussing "Unity, Anglicanism and What's Next? at 9am in their guild room and online. This is especially timely with the recent resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury. St Paul also tells us of this event from their Partners in Ministry Program: Cathedral of Light: Thanksgiving Sound Healing Saturday, November 30, 4 pm, In the Cathedral Looking for a unique experience to share with family and friends this holiday season in San Diego? Join Zen Soul Balance on Thanksgiving weekend for a transformative 90-minute sound healing session at the breathtaking St. Paul’s Cathedral. As sunset bathes the Cathedral in golden light, surrender to a harmonious haven of healing vibrations. Experience the synergy of masterful sound artists, musicians, and healers as they blend crystal singing bowls, gongs, drums, chimes, stringed instruments, and other therapeutic sounds to create a profoundly restorative journey. Wrap yourself in serenity and tranquility. From the Diocese We hear there will be a series of one day Advent Retreats, from 10am to 3pm each on Dec 7 at St Mary Church Pacifica Grave, St James Church Paso Robles and St Francis Church, Willow Glen (San Jose). For info and to register go to https://stbenslososos.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=56003b92c20a0cad0f96f87b4&id=6655f53085&e=c7a1548f0f
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