In today’s reading, Jesus is reminding us that when he comes in glory, on a day and at a time we cannot predict, there will be a time of judgement. Those who reject the love and the call of God cannot expect to then revel in the glorious light of his kingdom. This may sound straightforward: good people this way, bad people that way. But can it really be that simple?
The rectory in Corby Glen is very well appointed. It is built with a very accurate east–west orientation. In the morning, we can see the sunrise in all its glory. In the evening we benefit from the most amazing sunsets. Surely this must be a foretaste of the sun shining in the kingdom of our God.
But, whilst our sunrise and sunset may fill us with a warm glow, Jesus’ audience would not have shared in our sense of restful self-satisfaction. As I know from personal experience, the sun in the Middle East, on almost every day of the year, isn’t just dazzling, it can be terrifying in the intensity of its heat. From dawn to dusk, those who heard Jesus’ words would have been used to constantly seeking protection and shade. When Jesus says that the righteous will shine like the sun, he is making an enormous statement about the power of the relationship the righteous will have entered into with God himself.
As we journey through this life, we are all called to reflect and embody the love and glory of God himself. In Genesis, we read that humanity was created by God, in his own image. Because we are all different people, and yet share in being created in God’s image, we are called to accept that God intends that each of us should be reflectors of different facets of his glory.
So often, I hear of people being described as good Christians, simply because they have a reputation for being nice. Sadly, as we can learn from today’s reading, just being nice is not enough.
To enter into a true relationship with God is about acknowledging and accepting that we are made in his image. We must then live every moment of our lives in the certainty of that knowledge. Then our commitment to reflecting the love and glory of God will truly shine out as a dazzling example to others. Then, through us, the Lord’s harvest will grow and grow.
Thanks be to God.