Jesus Christ King of the Universe

The feast of Christ the King on Sunday 26 November marks the end of the liturgical year. Pope Francis reflects on the Gospel reading from Matthew, in which Jesus tells his disciples about the second coming, when the Son of Man will separate the sheep from the goats.

"He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the fulfilment of history; and today's liturgy focuses on the 'omega,' that is, on the final goal," he said.

"At the last judgment, the Lord will judge us on the  choices we have made ... He only draws out the consequences of our choices, brings them to light and respects them. Life, we come to see, is a time for making robust, decisive, eternal choices... Yet if we choose God daily, we grow in his love, and if we choose to love others, we find true happiness. Because the beauty of our choices depends on love."

From Pope Francis' homily on Christ the King Sunday 2020.

Readings

Ezek 34:11-12, 15-17:   You my flock I judge between sheep and sheep.

Ps 22:1-3, 5-6:   R. The Lord is my shepherd there is nothing I shall want.

1 Cor 15:20-26,28:   He will hand over the kingdom to God the Father, so that God may be all in all.

Alleluia, alleluia! Blessings on him who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessings on the coming kingdom of our father David! Alleluia!

Mat 25: 31-46:   He will take his seat on the throne of glory, and he will separate people one from another.

Homily Studio podcast for a 30-minute conversation about the scriptures for Sunday can be found at this link during the week leading up to 26 November. HERE

Suggestions for Prayers of  Intercession

Response: E te Ariki. Whakarongo mai rā kia mātou.

For greater integrity: that we may both speak and live the virtues that are planted deep within our hearts so that we may be authentic witnesses to God’s reign.  E te Ariki …

For a transformation of our hearts: that through the Cross of Christ, our understandings of power, success, and glory may be changed and that we may place ourselves more fully in the service of God.   E te Ariki …

For Christian unity: that Christ will shepherd us into one family where we can work together to bring forth Christ’s reign and defeat the powers of darkness in society.   E te Ariki …

For Pope Francis and all leaders of the Christian community: that they may be both effective leaders and wise shepherds of God’s people.   E te Ariki …

Suggestions for Hymns

All creatures of our God and King

Crown Him with many crowns

Hail Redeemer, King Divine

Majesty, worship his majesty

The King of glory comes