Above: New Jerusalem
Image in the Public Domain
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For the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year 1, according to the U.S. Presbyterian lectionary of 1966-1970
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Lord Jesus, Judge and Savior: put thy Word within our hearts
that we may be saved from disobedience and,
in the time of thy coming, be found faithful to thee. Amen.
—The Book of Common Worship–Provisional Services (1966), 126
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Jeremiah 23:5-6
Revelation 21:1-4
Matthew 24:45-51
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Last week’s parable was the story of the Unjust Steward, who, out of self-interest, used his soon-to-be-former employer’s money to make friends and allies.
This week’s parable is the story of the Conscientious Steward, who was performing his duties when his boss, seemingly late, arrived.
Eschatological ethics teach us to be realistic and proactive. They teach us that yes, God will eventually destroy the corrupt world order, with its rife exploitation and bad governance, and replace it with divine order. Eschatological ethics teach us that only God can save the world, but that we remain stewards of it. We–individually and collectively–have responsibilities to God and each other, as well as to succeeding generations, the planet, and other species on it. Expectations of Christ’s Second Coming never excuse neglecting our duties from God.
Years ago I had a disturbing conversation with a particular young woman. She, who identified herself as a Christian, referred to the planet as her “vacation home” and said that she did not care about what happened here; she was that focused on Heaven. She apparently neglected a large portion of scripture about stewardship of creation and the mandate of social justice. I reminded her of those teachings. She did not change her mind, at least that day.
Only God can save the world, but we–individually and collectively–have divine orders to leave it better than we found it.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
DECEMBER 12, 2018 COMMON ERA
THE ELEVENTH DAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C
THE FEAST OF SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL, FOUNDRESS OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE VISITATION
THE FEAST OF ALICIA DOMON AND HER COMPANIONS, ROMAN CATHOLIC MARTYRS IN ARGENTINA
THE FEAST OF SAINTS BARTHOLOMEW BUONPEDONI AND VIVALDUS, MINISTERS AMONG LEPERS
THE FEAST OF SAINT LUDWIK BARTOSIK, ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIEST AND MARTYR
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BLOGA THEOLOGICA 
Amen!