crucifixion

Romans 5:1-8- " A World without Pain"

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Synopsis:

Joanne Cameron, “A World without Pain,” Cameron tells the story of living a life with Marsili syndrome: a genetic mutation which dulls pain and some sensory experiences. About a third of the population has some form of this mutation. Paul tells us that it is in fact our experiences of suffering produce, endurance, character, then hope. God love is proved, though, in that while we were at our weakness, Christ died for us. Christ took on the shame of a criminals death, because the powers of hate, violence, and Empire in our world could no longer tolerate the Gospel he preached and the power he shared with common folks and outcasts. Those who suffer, if they find healing, will be lead to deeper empathy and compassion for others. God does not cause suffering, but seeks help humans salvage good in our response to pain.

Luke 23:33-43 - "Christ the King"

Synopsis: On Reign of Christ Sunday, we celebrate the culmination of the Christian calendar with the coronation of Christ the King. Although, our King is not crowned with gold but with thorns; Christ is not crowned with glory but with our shame. Even in these final breaths, Jesus takes time to tell the criminal beside him, “today you will be with me in Paradise.” People have puzzled over these words for millennia, but the mystery points us to a deep comfort and confidence that even in his final hours, Jesus did not stop speaking for the most vulnerable people around him–even a heart-broken criminal being executed. Christ’s crucifixion continues to call us to not crown ourselves with glory and honor through success, popularity, or comfort, but to humble ourselves and speak out for those who hang on history’s crosses.

Keywords: Reign of Christ Sunday, Christ the King, Jesus, cross, crucifixion, glory, honor, shame, justice, humility, compassion, grace, liberation