Ordinary Time 
Pause
Come before the throne of Jesus Christ, however you will:
lift up your heart or kneel at his feet,
raise your voice in song or let your tears fall,
proclaim his praise or ask for what you need.
You are loved and you are known. You are welcome here —
everywhere — Jesus reigns.
Listen
God’s power was at work in Christ when God raised him from the dead and sat him at God’s right side in the heavens, far above every ruler and authority and power and angelic power, any power that might be named not only now but in the future. God put everything under Christ’s feet and made him head of everything in the church, which is his body. His body, the church, is the fullness of Christ, who fills everything in every way.
Ephesians 1:20-23
Think
Earlier this year, England crowned a new monarch for the first time in more than seventy years. For one short section of the coronation ceremony, the new king dressed in a plain linen tunic and received a private anointing by a priest. This symbol of humility and service was covered up with layer upon layer of costly robes, then symbols of power and majesty made of gold and priceless jewels were bestowed on the new king. In spite of the symbols of humility underneath, there is nothing ordinary or common about being king.
Paul’s description of the reign of Jesus Christ also sounds anything but common: at the right hand of God, Christ is seated “far above every ruler and authority and power and angelic power” for all time. But Jesus does not remain distant and untouchable with layers of velvet and arms full of gold. Jesus is as near as the body we belong to, as close as the breath that fills us.
Nikki Finkelstein-Blair
Question to Ponder:
What images and stories of kings or queens do you know from history, books, or movies? How do you think Jesus’ reign is like those monarchs, and how is it different?
Pray
Jesus, I honor your power and majesty.
Thank you for shaping me with my fellow believers into your body — your church — so I can know that you are always among us and that we are always part of you.
Amen.
Go
Now go to the places you would least expect; your king is already there.
Lift those who are low. Kneel with those who bow.
Join your voice, weep together, bring food to share.
Offer welcome, praise, and joy, however you will.
Everywhere, Jesus reigns!
