Christ Lutheran Church
Cleveland, Ohio
November 23, 2025
by: Rev. Dean Kavouras

Last Sunday Of The Church Year
The Procession

A large contingent of the people processed after him and of the women as well, who wailed and lamented for him. But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem! Do not weep for me! But for yourselves, and for your children! (Luke 23:27-28)

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Today’s liturgy is the “beginning of the end.”

It is the “last holy communion” of the passing church year; and seven days hence by God’s mercy the church will celebrate the “First Holy Communion” of the New Liturgical Year. And so in these flickering hours the Holy Spirit gives us this gospel of the Lord’s waning hours to show us the bigger picture.

It is not serendipity that this gospel is assigned for this day because; what the Lord was doing then; what we are doing now; and what he will do at the “end of the age” are all of a piece. They are the beginning, the middle and the end of history.

In the bigger picture we are living in the Middle of human history, which is to say AFTER the Lord’s First Coming, but before his Second Coming. But more than that we cannot say.

Is it still the beginning of the middle? The middle of the middle? Or as Christians fervently pray the end of the middle and beginning of the end? Again, we cannot say, but every generation can heed the Lord’s charge in last week’s gospel that,

“When you see these things happening stand
up tall, and hold your heads up high, for your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28)

When the events of today’s gospel took place the Promise of the ages was fulfilled before the eyes, of that blessed generation. But as often happens people do not realize at the time, the momentous events that are happening before their very eyes. How often do we say, “If only I knew then what I know now.” If only I had appreciated those precious moments, that priceless person, but I took them for granted. And so the adage: “We can never appreciate something till it’s gone.”

But that, too, is okay because even if late we do finally appreciate! Appreciate and render thanks to our God for the gifts given even if through tears.

But best of all we wake up from our self-centered comas and begin to live; so that we can appreciate every moment of our lives, and give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for them. Such is life; and such is the goodness of God who, like a good teacher, gives nothing away, but lets the student discover it for himself, until he finally “gets it.”

It is hard, yes, often heartbreaking, and tragic. But if God lets us learn the hard way now, imagine what untold things he is preparing us for when we enter Paradise with Jesus & St. Dismas – that is the name that Christian tradition has assigned to the “good thief” on the Lord’s right hand.

Then we will glorified and immortal persons. Fully engaged. Fully at peace. And filled with all the fullness of God. Nothing you can wish for, or pursue, or hope for or attain in this life comes close to life in Christ. “And so seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness …”

The events we hear in today’s gospel were the fulfillment of the Promise of the ages; foreseen by all the Prophets who testified of nothing else.

Foreseen by Abraham of whom Jesus says, Abraham rejoiced to see my day.” (Jn 8:56)
And by Moses of whom Scripture says, “He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” (Heb. 11:25)

What happened then at the place called “The Skull” was Jesus bearing all the world’s misery, and simultaneously granting absolution to all who will believe his pronouncement, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”

The day that we glorify today, Good Friday or “God’s Friday,” is historically speaking in the past; but it is a Day that will live on in renown unto the ages of ages!

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!” Rom 11:33

Yes, historically speaking it was in the past. But liturgically speaking it is ever-present and ever-available to us. Today we still process into God’s house following after Jesus with gladness; as we bow to the crucified-but-now-risen Christ; as we stand and sing alleluia’s in the gospel procession in anticipation of hearing his matchless words; and shortly as we make the purest gospel procession of all to the altar; to commune with the Bridegroom. In all this we are participating in the procession that we hear of in today’s gospel.

But not in sorrow!

Then, Jesus turned his head back to the disconsolate women that followed him and said, “Do not weep for me O daughters of Jerusalem, but for yourselves and for your children. Oh! and how often has that weeping come to women in all ages!

But that was then. But now the Lord’s message is different because in light of the cross we are in full possession of perfect redemption, the remission of our sins (Col. 1:14), and the consolation of God’s love for us, and for our children!

And though we are tempted to weep for them we need not waste the tissue because Jesus wept for them, shed blood for them, and he will bring them in, left-handed-crucified-criminals though they be at the moment – he will bring them to his right hand and to paradise to be with him.

And he will bring you as well!

“For in Him the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. And through Him to reconcile all things to himself. Making peace by the blood of the His cross whether things on earth or in heaven.” (Col. 1:19-20)

This is what our God is doing now by the Holy Spirit as we worship at his feet, and pour out our ardent desires before him. Desires he will grant his Beloved Bride.

And there is still one more procession we should desire on this Last Sunday of the Church year: that Great and Final Procession of which Isaiah says:

“And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.”

This is the procession that we hear in today’s gospel. The procession in which we are engaged at this hour. And the one we will be part of at the End of the Age, “With the cross of Jesus going on before.” Hallelujah! Amen.