The words of the Dismas (the “good thief”) in the Gospel of Luke echo in our hearts as we claim Jesus Christ as our King: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom!”
Mass Readings – The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe
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Here are some of the main themes in the readings for the solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
1st Reading – 2nd Samuel 5:1-3
Psalm – 122:1-5
2nd Reading – Colossians 1:12-20
Gospel – Luke 23:35-43
Mass Readings – The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
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We claim Jesus Christ as King of the Universe, and this title establishes his reign over our hearts. Yet this king does not come to be served; rather he offers his life that all the inhabitants of his kingdom might have the hope of eternal life. Our response? Let us pledge our lives to our King!
Mass Readings – The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe
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Let’s take a look at some of the main themes from the readings for the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe.
1st Reading – Daniel 7:13-14
Psalm – 93:1-2,5
2nd Reading – Revelation 1:5-8
Gospel – John 18:33b-37
Mass Readings – The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe
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Study: Recall a time when you recognized God as the center of your life; a time when you hung on to faith – perhaps because other things were struggling.
Pray: Call upon the Lord to rule and guide your heart.
Serve: What is the King’s command for you today? How is the Lord directing you to help and serve another?
Mass Readings – Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe
This weekend brings the Church liturgical year to a close. Next week begins Advent, and we will start a new liturgical year with the cycle of “B” readings in the Lectionary for Mass.
Why do we end the year with the notion of Christ the King? Why do we place this feast here? What’s the point?
The feast has several levels of meaning. By calling Christ our King we are making a statement that Jesus is the Lord of our lives. It means that we place Christ first, and that we serve the Lord Jesus with the allegiance of our hearts, minds, and bodies. We belong to Christ, who rules us.
In addition, to claim Christ as our King means that we are members of his kingdom. Through our baptism we are called to the community of faith, the Church, and we possess an inheritance that is ultimately not of this world. We are citizens who have a responsibility to work together – for this world and the world to come.
Furthermore, the King will come at the end of time to call His faithful people home to heaven. We believe that the world will end on a future, unknown day (and once again, let me stress it is an UNKNOWN date…). This feast reminds us that in the end we belong to one home or the other, one Lord or another.
Finally, to say that Christ is our King reminds us that all our power, strength, hope, and direction come from Him. The skills and talents we possess are from the King (who made us). The forgiveness we cherish is from the King (who died for us). The life of the Holy Spirit which sustains us was sent by the King (who asked the Father on our behalf).
Therefore, to claim Christ as our King is to make a statement about who we are. As followers of this King we offer our lives in service to the one who is our Lord. We make this King our first priority in all things, and we look upon Jesus Christ as both the beginning and end of our existence.
This is a good time for us to search and prepare our hearts. As this Church year comes to an end we begin to make ourselves ready for the Lord who comes to us, that he might find us alert and watchful for his arrival. May we renew our allegiance to Christ our King so that he will rule us with mercy, grace, and love.
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Note: This post was first published on November 20, 2017.
We are servants and stewards of Christ, our King. This means that our faith is not some hazy, vague experience; rather, it is dynamic and life-giving as we conform our lives to the commands of the one who claims our obedience.
Mass Readings – Christ the King of the Universe
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Study: Recall a time when you carried out a difficult command. What gave you strength?
Pray: Is there a difficult situation facing you right now? Draw near to Christ in the Eucharist for wisdom and courage.
Serve: Actions speak louder than words…so how can your actions today show others that Christ is your King?
Mass Readings – The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
We conclude the Church’s liturgical calendar with this Feast in honor of our Lord. The title is one that speaks to a role that appears in history, literature, and culture: the KING.
Here are some common key points to remember:
Sounds simple, right? So how do we apply these concepts to Jesus? Consider this:
Practically, I suggest that we focus this week on three key commandments that Christ gave us:
Remember: the King commands us to forgive, receive Him in the Eucharist, and love one another. These are not suggestions, or helpful hints when we have free time! These are commands…and as we acknowledge that Jesus is our King we also know that we can draw near to the Lord for the strength and wisdom we need to carry them out.
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This icon of Christ Pantocrator is on loan to the Cathedral of Christ the King from Fr. Andrew Ricci. “Pantocrator” may be literally translated into “Ruler of All” or “Almighty” and it is an ancient way of depicting Jesus.
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Note: This post was first published on November 16, 2015.
Mass Readings – The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
He is our creator, our savior, our judge and our friend. In simple and unassuming ways, he will meet us in our struggles through this life with the courage and conviction to continue in the toughest of times. As our king he deserves our allegiance; yet he lays down his life that we might be saved. We owe everything to Jesus Christ, our King!
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Photo Credit: The Passion of the Christ, 2004.
Study: Recall a time when you recognized God as the center of your life; a time when you hung on to faith – perhaps because other things were struggling.
Pray: Call upon the Lord to rule and guide your heart.
Serve: What is the King’s command for you today? How is the Lord directing you to help and serve another?
Mass Readings – The Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe
This weekend brings the Church liturgical year to a close. Next week begins Advent, and we will start a new liturgical year with the cycle of “B” readings in the Lectionary for Mass.
Why do we end the year with the notion of Christ the King? Why do we place this feast here? What’s the point?
The feast has several levels of meaning. By calling Christ our King we are making a statement that Jesus is the Lord of our lives. It means that we place Christ first, and that we serve the Lord Jesus with the allegiance of our hearts, minds, and bodies. We belong to Christ, who rules us.
In addition, to claim Christ as our King means that we are members of his kingdom. Through our baptism we are called to the community of faith, the Church, and we possess an inheritance that is ultimately not of this world. We are citizens who have a responsibility to work together – for this world and the world to come.
Furthermore, the King will come at the end of time to call His faithful people home to heaven. We believe that the world will end on a future, unknown day (and once again, let me stress it is an UNKNOWN date…). This feast reminds us that in the end we belong to one home or the other, one Lord or another.
Finally, to say that Christ is our King reminds us that all our power, strength, hope, and direction come from Him. The skills and talents we possess are from the King (who made us). The forgiveness we cherish is from the King (who died for us). The life of the Holy Spirit which sustains us was sent by the King (who asked the Father on our behalf).
Therefore, to claim Christ as our King is to make a statement about who we are. As followers of this King we offer our lives in service to the one who is our Lord. We make this King our first priority in all things, and we look upon Jesus Christ as both the beginning and end of our existence.
This is a good time for us to search and prepare our hearts. As this Church year comes to an end we begin to make ourselves ready for the Lord who comes to us, that he might find us alert and watchful for his arrival. May we renew our allegiance to Christ our King so that he will rule us with mercy, grace, and love.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – The Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe
He is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords…and yet he came into our world to teach us about his heavenly Father with compassion and tenderness. May we draw near to his Divine Mercy, and say the words of the Good Thief, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom!”
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Note: this image (above and below) is the great icon of Christ the King located in the main apse of the Cathedral in Superior. The pictures don’t do it justice, so if you are ever near the shores of Lake Superior, come and pray with us and see it for yourself.
Three Great Things 