Reflection: Sunday Readings - Solemnity of Christ the King

November 25, 2007
Our Lord Jesus Christ the King (Solemnity)

READING 1 2 Samuel 5:1-3

Reading 1 Reflection:

In today's reading we see the tribes of Israel coming to make David their king. Called by God to lead the chosen people, David had been a shepherd, musician, military hero, and respected leader of his people. Now he would rule as king and make the Israelites secure against their enemies.

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:

What comes to your mind when you think of a king? Do you think of the sad story of foolish and greedy King Midas? (Perhaps someone in your group knows this story and can tell it.) Do you think of someone rich and powerful? What do you think would be good about being ruled by an all-powerful king? What do you think would be not so great about that?

READING 2 Colossians 1:12-20

Reading 2 Reflection:

On this feast of Christ the King, we read a tribute to Jesus Christ as the supreme ruler of all creation. In Christ, everything and everyone are reconciled. He is the head of the Church and the One who holds everything "in being." The second reading reminds us to be grateful that we are loved and saved by such a king.

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

We do not think of kings as suffering very much. Kings usually seem to have the best of everything. However, sometimes kings choose to share the suffering of their people. For example, the Queen Mother of England (Queen Mary, the mother of the current Queen Elizabeth II) could have left her home, Windsor Castle in London, for a safer place when England was being bombed during World War II. She insisted that the royal family stay in London with their people even though it was very dangerous. The people of London never forgot this courageous decision. This is one reason why the people still honor the memory of the Queen Mother today because they loved her and respected her courage. Jesus is king of the whole world, and our king. How did he share our lives, our joys, and our suffering? How do you respond to Jesus' love for you?



Gospel Reflection: Gospel Luke 23:35-43

As we celebrate the last Sunday of the Church year, Luke's Gospel leaves us with a "holy picture" to remember and cherish. It is a crucifixion scene. Above the head of Jesus, a sign proclaims: "This is the king of the Jews." The soldiers and most of the crowd think that the sign is a bad joke. But a criminal who is hanging in a cross next to Jesus senses the truth about him. "Remember me when you enter upon your reign," he prays. And the King responds, "This day you will be with me in paradise."

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

"Greater love than this no one has, that he give up his life for his friend." We might say, "Greater love than this no king has, that he give up his life for his people." This is the kind of king Jesus was and is. Now he is a Risen King, and we rise with him each day?every time we respond to grace in our lives, every time we imitate our king by overcoming evil with good. What can you do this week to be like Christ the King in love, in forgiveness, in generosity, in works of peace and justice?