Solemnity of Christ the King, Cycle B
Prayer
Father, may Your will be done. Help us to remember that we have a place in Your Kingdom, where You live and reign, together with Your Son and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen
Commentary
1st Reading: Daniel 7:13-14
Because the Solemnity of Christ the King brings to a close our liturgical year, it conveys an end of times theme. As was the case in last week’s reading from Daniel, our 1st Reading today is apocalyptic. However, it is
the good news side of the apocalypse and end times.
In Daniel’s vision, the Son of Man receives “dominion, glory, and kingship” and “his kingship shall not be destroyed.” This, of course is good news for “all peoples, nations, and languages,” who “serve him,” for the elect under his kingship will not be destroyed either.
Whenever we celebrate the Kingship of Christ, we celebrate what is to become of we who follow him. Where Christ is, there too is the Church. He is our King and we are His Kingdom.
Question:
How is Jesus King and Lord of your life?
2nd Reading: Revelation 1:5-8
Another source of apocalyptic literature is the Book of Revelation. As was the case for Daniel, John is given a vision to see the end times.
In his vision, John describes Jesus as the “ruler of the kings of the earth” and he (as in Daniel) “is coming amid the clouds” to gather a kingdom to himself.
As we consider the end times, we also recognize that this was a part of God’s eternal plan. As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever, God’s plan for Our Heavenly Kingdom is fulfilled through his Son. Jesus is the “the Alpha and the Omega (Beginning and End).” He was, is, and always will be King.
Sometimes we forget that God has a plan and His plan will be fulfilled. In fact, in Jesus, His plan has already been fulfilled. It just hasn’t been fully “realized” by us. However, John’s vision testifies to the truth that God holds the whole world — the past, the present, and the future — in His hands.
Question:
Does the title for Jesus as “Alpha and Omega” give you comfort? How so?
Gospel: John 18:33-37
Over these last 6 weeks, we have been reflecting on the theme — Our Holy Kingdom. On this Solemnity, we celebrate the Lord of our kingdom, Jesus the Christ.
Our Gospel selection for this week gives us the scene where Pilate confronts Jesus. He asks, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus never denies it, but explains that Pilate’s understanding of “kingship,” is not shared by Jesus. Rather, Jesus explains that His “kingdom does not belong to this world.”
In Pilate’s mind, a king is one who will fight or have others fight for him. But, that is not the kingdom to which Jesus belongs.
Over the course of human history, kingdoms and nations have been fighting for survival or for power. Thankfully, we have a kingdom that awaits us where not even a sword was raised to gain it or defend it. Remember when Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its scabbard”? Jesus, our King, does not defend Himself or fight for His kingdom. Rather, His kingdom is freely handed over to Him by His Father. In addition, to those of us who follow our Lord, we are made co-heirs. We can rightfully say His dominion is our heavenly Kingdom.
Question:
How do you see yourself as a co-heir in our heavenly Kingdom?
This Week’s Task
How about making a New “Church” Year resolution by starting a Christ in Our Neighborhood program in your parish? It’s easy and free! Visit dphx.org/Christ-in- our-neighborhood and download a free PDF and leader’s guide. CION is a great way to build faith, friendship and community, creating more vibrant parish communities rooted in God’s Word and the sacraments.
Group Prayer
The group sings or prays the following by Martin Hellriegal, (1941):
To Jesus Christ our Sovereign King who is the world’s salvation,
All praise and homage do we bring and thanks and adoration
Your reign extend O King benign, to every land and nation;
For in your kingdom Lord divine
Alone do we find salvation
To you and to your Church, great King We pledge our heart’s oblation;
Until before your throne we sing
In endless jubilation
Christ Jesus, Victor! Christ Jesus, Ruler!
Christ Jesus, Lord and Redeemer
Continue with Psalm 93.
Psalm
Response: The LORD is king; he is robed in majesty.
The LORD is king, in splendor robed;
robed is the LORD and girt about with strength.
R. The LORD is king; he is robed in majesty.
And he has made the world firm,
not to be moved.
Your throne stands firm from of old;
from everlasting you are, O LORD.
R. The LORD is king; he is robed in majesty.
Your decrees are worthy of trust indeed;
holiness befits your house,
O LORD, for length of days.
R. The LORD is king; he is robed in majesty.
Conclude with an Our Father
Used with permission. All rights reserved. Christ in Our Neighborhood is a Scripture program designed by Bishop John P. Dolan of the Diocese of Phoenix.