Christus Paradox” is perhaps the most apt way of describing what the “reign” of Christ means. The reign of Christ is nothing like the rule of kings, political parties, empires. It consists of little things, like compassionate and kind acts, like peace as a response to war, and like love-in-action away from the spotlight. That is the “reign” we focus on today.

Competing visions, hopes and fears of the future are in the news right now, and they are all in today’s Gospel reading also. In the Gospel two responses are offered by Jesus. The question is, do we, will we respond in those ways, or not?

Human history is punctuated by war, violence, and the clashing of competing ideologies. It is also filled with tiny, yet mighty acts of peace-making, compassion, resilience, and love-despite hate. “Remembering” brings all of the human story together, and worship brings all that we see under the redeeming love of God.

Who could ever have imagined a time in living memory when it would seem “odd” to practise welcome, hospitality, respect, reverence, truth in our shared lives? It was good to be reminded, by Scripture, that these are at the heart of God’s Dream for human community within creation: a place where everyone is welcome at the table.