June 24: the Nativity of John the Baptist, one of only two birthdays in the Church calendar. Born as the days shorten; Christ born as they lengthen. He must increase, I must decrease. Even the sun preaches John’s sermon.
Rogation Day III. The Rogation Days end not with a request but a recognition. The one for whom we are asking is the one in whom all things hold together. He ascends tomorrow that he might fill all things — including our barns, our tables, and our daily bread.
Two disciples walked away from Jerusalem on the day of the resurrection — grieving, confused, hopes shattered. Jesus drew near and walked with them before they knew who he was. He opened the Scriptures, broke the bread, and their eyes were opened. The road to Emmaus did not end in that village.
Second Sunday of Christmas: The infant whom the angels proclaimed, whom the shepherds sought, whom Simeon and Anna recognized in the temple, has grown into a boy on the threshold of manhood. Jesus, now twelve years old, journeys with Mary and Joseph to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover.
Today, on the final Sunday of that Extended Advent, Christ the King Sunday gives us the purest possible picture of the coming King: not riding on the clouds with armies of angels (we will see that later), but reigning now, already, from the throne of the cross.
As Advent approaches, the lectionary turns our eyes toward judgment and hope. Jesus warns of trials, Malachi promises a book of remembrance for the faithful, and Psalm 98 calls creation to sing. By endurance we gain our lives, and the sun of righteousness rises with healing.