|
|
|
My kingdom does not belong to this world.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Once again we share the visions of the prophet Daniel. He sees "one like a son of man" coming from the heavens into the presence of God. This Messiah king receives from God the Father power and kingship over all nations. His rule is universal and it lasts forever. No one can take it away from him.
"Son of Man" later became a title of the Messiah. Jesus applied this title to himself. The Messiah was also thought of as a king. When Jesus was on trial before the high priest, he quoted the vision of Daniel to describe himself.
|
|
|
|
|
Today is the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King. In this reading from Daniel, we can see Jesus as the Son of Man who receives kingship from God the Father. What do we learn from Daniel about the Son of Man's kingship? How is Jesus different from any worldly king or leader? What are some of the qualities you admire in Christ our King?
What ideas do you have about how we can best honor Christ the King?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We are delighted whenever someone we love is honored. In this reading from the beginning of the Book of Revelation, the inspired author has a vision of the second coming of Jesus Christ. He comes in the clouds as the "ruler of the kings of earth.” He is the "First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” He is the faithful witness to God's promises and the first to rise from the dead. Now he is honored as a crucified and risen King.
On this triumphant feast day we rejoice in Christ's kingship. And we give thanks that Jesus has made of us a royal priesthood to serve our God and Father.
|
|
|
|
|
The feast of Christ the King reminds us that to be a disciple of Jesus in today’s world we should be able to recognize the "signs of the times."
- What "signs of the times" are you most aware of?
- How do you respond if the sign is negative?
Give an example and suggest how you might change a negative sign of the times into something positive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What kind of king is Jesus? In this reading from the passion story in John's Gospel, Jesus provides us with his own answer. Pontius Pilate was the Roman official who held power in Palestine. He asks Jesus if he is the king of the Jews. Pilate really wants to know whether Jesus might be part of a Jewish revolt against Roman rule. Jesus assures Pilate that his kingdom is not of this world. He is not one who rules by force. However he is a king who came into the world to "testify to the truth.” All who recognize him as "the way and the truth and the life" will hear his voice (John 14:6).
As the Church year comes to a close, we are grateful for the ways in which we have heard our King's voice in the liturgy this year. We consider how to live the words of Jesus more faithfully as the circle of the new year begins.
|
|
|
|
|
Trial scenes are often dramatized in movies and on TV. Imagine that you are a Roman soldier who is present at Pilate's official residence as the prisoner Jesus of Nazareth is being questioned. What might you think when you heard Jesus' answer to Pilate's question, "Are you the king of the Jews?” Why might you be surprised when you heard Jesus describe his kingdom? How might you respond when you heard why Jesus had come into the world? How do you think you would feel about this prisoner-king who was facing a possible death sentence?
What are some of the ways people your age can show that they are committed to Jesus as the way, the truth and the life? How can you give evidence that Jesus rules in your life?
|
|
|
|
|
| Proclaiming Faith Activity |
|
|
|
Living the Sunday and Holy Day Readings
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
A pledge of allegiance is a promise to be loyal to a nation or to a ruler. Today we celebrate Jesus Christ as our King. He is a king who rules by truth and love, and who desires justice and peace for all people.
With your partner or group, compose a Pledge of Allegiance to Jesus Our King. In your pledge, include what Jesus stands for and why we are loyal to him.
|
|
|
Celebrating Growing Seasons
|
|
|
We have come full circle around the Church year. Together we have grown and changed during each season from Advent to Ordinary Time. Just as your appearance has changed since last Advent, you now "look different" as a person of faith.
For each season below, complete the statement by naming one way you have grown in your understanding of the Church year, or one way you have changed in the way you live your faith.
I celebrate Advent as a season when I grew or changed by _____________________________________.
I celebrate Christmas as a season when I grew or changed by _____________________________________.
I celebrate Lent and the Triduum as seasons when I grew or changed by _____________________________________.
I celebrate Easter as a season when I grew or changed by _____________________________________.
I celebrate Ordinary Time as a season when I grew or changed by _____________________________________. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
www.sadlier.com/main.htm