The End

Thursday, July 13, 2006 -- Week of Proper 9

"Morning Reflections" is a brief thought about the scripture readings from the Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer according to the practice found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Evening Prayer begins on p. 117

An online resource for praying the Daily Office is found at www.missionstclare.com
Another form of the office from Phyllis Tickle's "Divine Hours" is available on our partner web site www.ExploreFaith.org at this link -- http://explorefaith.org/prayer/fixed/index.html

Discussion Blog
To comment on today's reflection or readings, go to http://lowellsblog.blogspot.com, find today's reading, click "comment" at the bottom of the reading, and post your thoughts.

Today's Readings for the Daily Office (p. 973)
Psalm 18:1-20 (morning) // 18:21-50 (evening)
Deuteronomy 3:18-28
Romans 9:19-33
Matthew 24:1-14

Today we have some of Matthew's section of eschatological and apocalyptic discourse.

It seems likely that Jesus believed that God was moving decisively and soon toward the fulfillment of creation. His sense of God was so complete that he actively longed for the final triumph of God. He acted with an urgency that reflected his hope. Thy kingdom come!

There are several places in the Gospels where we hear Jesus express his hope and conviction that the final victory of God would be within the lifetime of his listeners. In those passages, Jesus always qualified that hope, saying, in effect, "no one knows; not the Son or even the angels. Only God know when the triumphant end will be."

It seems clear that the early church shared that expectation. We see the hope for an immanent eschaton very present in Paul's earliest letters. Some of the issues that faced his church were fueled by this hope. He advises them -- it's better not to marry, it's no sin, but why marry if the end is so near; nevertheless everyone should have a job and work. Paul's later writings address some of the church's disappointment that Jesus had not yet returned to establish the final reign of God on earth. His advice reflects the ethic of a longer view.

Today's readings have a similar feel. Matthew is writing after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE when the Temple has been destroyed. He connects that catastrophe with the expectation of the end of the age. We have a series of discourses that anticipate a sudden and unpredictable end of the age with the complete triumph of God. They also read in such a way that they describe the ongoing conflicts of history. The whole message is tingling with energy. "Now; though not yet; but, O, so soon. Be prepared at every moment!"

The church has lived within that expectant energy for over 2,000 years. And each of us knows our own personal apocalypse is certain if not immanent. Be prepared at every moment! We have also experienced a kind of realized eschatology in the presents and saving activity of Jesus here and now in every moment of creation.

I read these passages as words of comfort and hope. God is present and working toward history's fulfillment, even in the worst of disasters. Always hope. Be prepared at every moment.

And, the gospel will remind us, don't pay attention to any of those who think they know "when." They don't. Live as though today is the day. Live as though there will be another 2,000 years or more for the church to nurture the good news.

Lowell