Solemnity of Christ the King Year A
Sunday, November 26, 2023
Mass Readings for the Solemnity of Christ the King Year A
Themes for the Solemnity of Christ the King Year A
The readings for the Solemnity of Christ the King Year A tell us that the kingship of Christ is one of a caring master who longs for us to live together in harmony in his kingdom. The first reading tells of the Lord gathering in his flock and tending to them. The second reading reminds us that everything is subject to Jesus Christ, including death. And in the gospel Jesus tells of the Judgement of the Nations, where those who served him in this life are separated from those who did not.
Some themes for this Sunday:
- The Kingship of Christ
- Corporal Works of Mercy
- The marginalized in society
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the Solemnity of Christ the King Year A.
Resources for the Solemnity of Christ the King Year A
Sheep or Goat? A Corporal Works of Mercy Lesson Plan
This reflection encourages youth to consider how they are taking care of those in need and helps them learn about the corporal works of mercy. This lesson fits in well with the gospel for the Solemnity of Christ the King Year A.
Prayer to Christ the King
This can also be prayed as a novena. Start it two Saturdays before this solemnity to end on the Feast of Christ the King.
Christ the King Word Search Puzzle
This word search puzzle features thirteen words related to the passion of Jesus Christ and his reign as king of our hearts.
Kingdoms Game
The goal of this kingdoms game is to form kingdoms. The largest kingdom wins! All you need are materials to make a list so it is super easy. This could be used as a youth group game or even a middle school VBS game.
Crown the King
Or maybe it should be called “Uncrown the King” because the goal is to knock off other player’s crowns and keep your own. This is an active game, so it is best played outdoors, in a gym, or in a meeting room with some open space.
Knight Me! Lesson Plan
This lesson plan will help youth consider how they can be more committed to serving Christ the King.
Corporal Works of Mercy
The gospels show us that Jesus reached out to those in need. His life is a model for how we should interact with others. One way to do this is through the Corporal Works of Mercy. Consider looking at these and doing one with the Catholic youth in your life.
Homilies and Reflections for the Solemnity of Christ the King Year A
Meet the King
In this week’s Encountering the Word video for the Solemnity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Jeff Cavins talks about the Christ that we meet in our everyday lives.
Heaven: You’re Not Good Enough (and why that’s ok)
If getting to heaven were anything like getting into the Olympics, then no one would make it. The fact is none of us are good enough to spend eternity in God’s presence. But Father Mike Schmitz reminds us that we don’t have to be good enough.
He Reigns!
From Bishop Robert Barron. “When Israel begins to long for a new David, the true David and true king of the world, we witness the longing for God. Jesus Christ is precisely this king: the Davidic king, and God ruling his creation. His ministry reveals the nature of his kingship, from the manger to the cross.”
When the End Comes
From Scott Hahn. “The Church year ends today with a vision of the end of time. The scene in the Gospel is stark and resounds with Old Testament echoes.” Continue reading.
God Will Shepherd His People
Also from Bishop Barron. “Ezekiel was witness to a catastrophe of monumental proportions. He certainly recognized how this was the result of foreign invasion, but he also sees how it was the result of folly and corruption on the part of Israel’s leaders, its shepherds.”
More Thoughts for the Solemnity of Christ the King Year A
In today’s gospel Jesus identifies himself as a shepherd king, sitting in judgement and separating the sheep from the goats.
The sheep in this gospel are those who show concern for others. They are the ones who are serving at the soup kitchen. They are caring for the sick and seeking just treatment for the imprisoned. They are providing funds for a well in a third-world village.
The goats are the ones who ignore those on the margins. They don’t provide for the needs of the most vulnerable in society. Goats are indifferent to the suffering of others. They might blame others for their misfortune. “If only they would work harder…”
Obeying our king means we must care for those around us. In serving the others we serve Jesus Christ. We must provide for the basic needs of those in our community and be advocates for them.
Don’t be a goat.
Reflection Questions for the Solemnity of Christ the King Year A
- Do I see Christ in the vulnerable in society?
- Which group do I have the most difficulty serving: the homeless, the sick, the imprisoned, someone else?
- Is there a time when an act of service changed me and my attitudes toward those I was serving?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the Solemnity of Christ the King Year A
Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.’
Leave a Reply