General. The power and the glory are due to the Lord who at this time of the year manifests himself as the Pantokrator, the Ruler Of All and Above All. He comes in judgment during the last Ordinary Sundays of the year and we shall soon receive an invitation to repent and put our ways straight during the first two Sundays of Advent. In between, we see the Lord in all his glory, ruling the world whose history is in his hands. In this Eucharist we can give praise to God’s Only Begotten Son, who has helped us come out of the slavery of sin, and made us adoptive sons of the Father, anointed Priests, Prophets and Princes like himself.

Second Book of Samuel. David was de facto ruler of Israel at the time of Saul until he was anointed King of Israel. It was David who led God’s people to Jerusalem (‘let us go unto the House of the Lord’) and notwithstanding his adultery and murder, for which he was repentant (Psalm 51), God kept faithful to his choice giving him the grace to fulfil it.

Epistle to the Colossians. St Paul chants out Jesus’ glory in his mission of salvation towards humanity. In adhering to all these praises, the Christian participates in the inheritance of the faithful in Christ’s salvation and the remission of sins. It is a passage from darkness to light, from evil to good, from death to life, and life everlasting – a true image of the Pantokrator (see general introduction) who saves, lives and gives life to whosoever believes in him through the Church.

St Luke. Salvation is the key-word in Jesus’ mission and preaching. So no wonder that he was challenged about it during his passion and crucifixion – ‘himself he cannot save’ – his denigrators little understanding that the logic of his kingdom was inverted to that of this world. To the thief who begged for mercy, Jesus promised that he would be with him in the Father’s kingdom that same day. God expects faith in Himself and in His Word, not pride and haughty words, to give us a share in His Kingdom which is founded on the practice of mercy and forgiveness.

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