Solemnity of Christ the King

The Solemnity of Christ the King reminds us that Jesus is the true ruler of all. He is not like earthly kings. His kingdom is based on love, truth, and peace. In Year A, Jesus speaks of the final judgment. He says we will be judged by how we treat others, especially the poor and weak. In Year B, Jesus tells Pilate that his kingdom is not of this world. He rules by truth, not force. In Year C, even on the cross, Jesus shows mercy. He forgives the good thief and promises him paradise.

This feast helps us see that Christ must be the center of our lives. He is the Lord of our hearts, homes, and the whole world. We are called to follow him as servants and to live as citizens of his kingdom. It is a kingdom that begins now and lasts forever.

Christ, King and Lord of the universe, made himself the servant of all, for he came “not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” For the Christian, “to reign is to serve him,” particularly when serving “the poor and the suffering, in whom the Church recognizes the image of her poor and suffering founder.” The People of God fulfills its royal dignity by a life in keeping with its vocation to serve with Christ.

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 786

Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, and more. See how to determine the correct year.

Solemnity of Christ the King Year A
Solemnity of Christ the King Year B
Solemnity of Christ the King Year C

Mass Readings for the Solemnity of Christ the King Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the Solemnity of Christ the King Year A readings here.

• First Reading – Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17: The Lord will care for His sheep, rescuing, healing, and pasturing them. He will judge fairly between the sheep, separating the rams from the goats.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd, guiding and providing for me. He refreshes my soul, protects me, and ensures goodness and kindness follow me throughout my life.
• Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28: Christ, risen from the dead, will bring all who belong to him to life. He will defeat all powers and death, then hand over the kingdom to God.
• Gospel – Matthew 25:31-46: Jesus explains that when he returns, he will separate the righteous from the unrighteous. The righteous, who helped those in need, will inherit the kingdom. The unrighteous, who did not help, will face eternal punishment.

Mass Readings for the Solemnity of Christ the King Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the Solemnity of Christ the King Year B readings here.

• First Reading – Daniel 7:13-14: I saw the Son of Man receive eternal authority and glory from the Ancient One. His everlasting kingdom will never be destroyed, and all nations will serve him.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 93: The Lord, clothed in majesty and strength, rules a stable world. His eternal throne and trustworthy decrees affirm his holiness forever.
• Second Reading – Revelation 1:5-8: Jesus, the faithful witness and eternal king, loves us, freed us from sin, and made us a kingdom. He will return, and everyone will see him. Amen.
• Gospel – John 18:33B-37: Pilate questioned Jesus about being the King of the Jews. Jesus explained that his kingdom is not of this world and that he came to testify to the truth.

Mass Readings for the Solemnity of Christ the King Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the Solemnity of Christ the King Year C readings here.

• First Reading – 2 Samuel 5:1-3: The tribes of Israel came to David in Hebron, recognizing his leadership. They made an agreement before the Lord, and David was anointed king of Israel.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 122: We rejoice as we go to the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, where the tribes gather to give thanks and the thrones of judgment are set.
• Second Reading – Colossians 1:12-20: Let us thank the Father for rescuing us and bringing us into the kingdom of his Son, Jesus, who is the image of God and the head of the church.
• Gospel – Luke 23:35-43: Rulers and soldiers mocked Jesus on the cross, challenging him to save himself. One criminal joined in, but the other defended Jesus and asked to be remembered. Jesus promised him a place in Paradise.

Knight Me! Lesson Plan

The Knight Me! lesson plan helps youth deepen their commitment to Christ the King. Unlike earthly kings of Jesus’ time who ruled through fear, Jesus is a gentle king whose Kingdom of God is based on love and service to the Father. As Christians, we pledge ourselves to Christ’s service, just as knights pledged to their rulers. Yet, when we fall short, Jesus calls us back through forgiveness and asks us to recommit fully to His Kingdom. This lesson plan reminds us of our role as Christ’s followers, striving to serve Him wholeheartedly in every part of our lives.

Prayer to Christ the King

This traditional prayer honors Jesus Christ as King of the universe, asking for His mercy, protection, and justice. Recognizing Christ as the Most Holy King and ruler of all nations, the prayer seeks His guidance, forgiveness, and blessings upon families and communities. It can be prayed individually or as a novena, inviting the faithful to entrust themselves to His mercy and recognize His reign on earth. This devotion reminds us of our commitment to Christ the King, seeking His guidance and protection in our lives.

Christ the King Word Search Puzzle

Christ the King Word Search for Catechesis

This Christ the King word search includes key terms related to Jesus’ passion and His role as King of our hearts. Featuring words like “Cross,” “Crown of Thorns,” “Forgive,” and “Paradise,” the puzzle serves as a catechetical tool to deepen understanding of Christ’s sacrifice and kingship. Through this activity, students can explore Jesus’ journey to the cross and reflect on His forgiveness and promise of salvation. This word search can prompt discussion on themes such as mercy, sacrifice, and Jesus’ eternal reign, fostering a deeper connection to Christ the King in a memorable and engaging way.

Crown the King

Crown the King (or “Uncrown the King”) is a lively game where players try to knock off each other’s crowns while protecting their own. Reflecting on Christ the King, this game can be used to discuss what it means to honor Jesus as the King of our hearts, encouraging teamwork, respect, and loyalty. Ideal for outdoor or open spaces, it adds a fun, active element to catechesis, reinforcing lessons about Christ’s reign and our commitment to serving Him with energy and devotion.

Kingdoms Game

The Kingdoms Game encourages players to form the largest kingdom, helping their “kings” and working together as a team. Ideal for youth groups or Vacation Bible School, this memory-based game introduces the theme of Christ the King by emphasizing unity and collaboration. Whether indoors or outdoors, the game invites players to reflect on building a strong, faithful kingdom for Christ, fostering teamwork and mutual support in a fun and active way.

Lookup Other Liturgical Dates in the Lectionary

The Bible is the full collection of sacred books. The Lectionary is a book used at Mass. It contains selected readings arranged for each day and feast. Not all parts of the Bible are in the Lectionary. The readings are grouped by themes and liturgical seasons. Each reading has a lectionary number to help identify it. For example, the Solemnity of Christ the King has its own assigned readings and lectionary number.

The Lectionary follows a three-year cycle for Sundays: Year A (Matthew), Year B (Mark), and Year C (Luke). The Gospel of John is read during special seasons. Weekday readings follow a two-year cycle. In the United States, the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) is used for Mass readings. This system helps Catholics hear much of the Bible over time and stay connected to the Church’s teachings.

How to Determine the Liturgical Year

The liturgical cycle is a three-year sequence of A, B, and C.

• 2024 is Year B
• 2025 is Year C
• 2026 is Year A
• 2027 is Year B
• 2028 is Year C
• 2029 is Year A
• 2030 is Year B
• 2031 is Year C
• … and so on

The Solemnity of Christ the King tells us that Jesus is the true king of all. But he does not rule like worldly kings. He does not seek power or riches. He rules with love, peace, and service. His crown is made of thorns. His throne was the cross.

Each year shows us a part of his kingship. In Year A, we hear how Jesus will judge us. He cares about how we treat others, especially the poor and lonely. In Year B, Jesus tells Pilate his kingdom is not of this world. In Year C, he forgives the good thief and welcomes him into paradise.

This feast reminds us that Jesus is our king every day. He wants to guide our lives. He invites us to follow him, not just with words, but in how we live. His kingdom is not about power. It is about love, truth, and mercy.

The Solemnity of Christ the King helps us look at who we serve. Do we follow Jesus or the ways of the world? This feast calls us to trust his way. His way is kind, strong, and full of hope.

Take time this week to read the Mass readings for the Solemnity of Christ the King. Think about what they say about Jesus as king. He is a shepherd, a judge, and a savior.

After you read, share your thoughts in the comment section. What part of the readings spoke to you? How do you try to follow Jesus as your king? Others may be helped by what you say.