First reading
Ezekiel 34:11–12, 15–17
The Lord will judge between sheep and sheep.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 22(23):1–3a, 5–6
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Second reading
1 Corinthians 15:20–26, 28
Christ will hand over the kingdom to God the Father; so that God may be all in all.
Gospel acclamation
Mark 11:9, 10
Blessing on him, who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessings on the coming kingdom of our father David!
Gospel
Matthew 25:31–46
I was naked and you clothed me; sick, and you visited me.
Images from the Word
- Throne of glory
- Come
- When did we see you
- His scattered sheep
- First fruits
Liturgical notes
Making all created things subject to his rule, he might present to the immensity of your majesty an eternal and universal kingdom, a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace.
—Roman Missal, p. 546
The reign of Christ as King of the universe relies upon the faithful members of his beloved Church. Unless we, the faithful followers of Christ, take up our cross daily and follow Christ, his presence in the world is not complete. We are the hands and heart for Christ’s kingdom of truth, holiness, justice, love and peace. Thus he may be active in our world today. Our Christ calls us to be his ambassadors in the world.
‘Having received the food of immortality, we ask, O Lord, that, glorying in obedience to the commands of Christ, the King of the universe, we may live with him eternally in his heavenly Kingdom.’
—prayer after Communion