Isaiah 11:1–10 A shoot springs from the stock of Jesse.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 71(72):1–2, 7–8, 12–13, 17 R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
Second reading
Romans 15:4–9 Christ is the saviour of all men.
Gospel acclamation
Luke 3:4, 6 Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: all people shall see the salvation of God.
Gospel
Matthew 3:1–12 The one who follows me will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Images from the Word
Repent
Baptised by him
Your repentance
Signal for the nations
Welcome one another
Liturgical notes
Next the priest invites the people to pray. All, together with the priest, observe a brief silence so that they may be conscious of the fact that they are in God’s presence and may formulate their petitions in their hearts and minds. Then the priest says the prayer which is customarily known as the Collect and through which the character of the celebration is expressed.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §54
Throughout the celebration of the Mass, there is provision for the assembly to contribute to the celebration. In fact, their gathering for the Mass serves the intention of providing the opportunity for Christ to be present. The assembly then contributes by its faithful attention to the celebration. The presiding celebrant must ensure he respects this contribution by not rushing to proclaim the collect.
‘To you, I lift up my soul, O my God. In you, I have trusted; let me not be put to shame. Nor let my enemies exult over me; and let none who hope in you be put to shame.’
In due course John the Baptist appeared; he preached in the wilderness of Judaea and this was his message: ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’ This was the man the prophet Isaiah spoke of when he said:
A voice cries in the wilderness Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight.
This man John wore a garment made of camel-hair with a leather belt round his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judaea and the whole Jordan district made their way to him, and as they were baptised by him in the river Jordan they confessed their sins. But when he saw a number of Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism he said to them, ‘Brood of vipers, who warned you to fly from the retribution that is coming? But if you are repentant, produce the appropriate fruit, and do not presume to tell yourselves, “We have Abraham for our father,” because, I tell you, God can raise children for Abraham from these stones. Even now the axe is laid to the roots of the trees, so that any tree which fails to produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown on the fire. I baptise you in water for repentance, but the one who follows me is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to carry his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fan is in his hand; he will clear his threshing-floor and gather his wheat into the barn; but the chaff he will burn in a fire that will never go out.’
(Matthew 3:1–12)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
Luke’s Gospel suggests that John the Baptist and Jesus were cousins, but there is no hint of this in Matthew.
John the Baptist was not alone in his criticism and rejection of the soft religious life in the cities of Palestine. There were others, too, who withdrew from what they saw as the corruption of the temple cult and retreated to the desert to live a life of prayer and asceticism. The best known of these groups were the Essenes of the Dead Sea region. It is likely that John was in some way associated with them.
The Essenes established a community at Qumran on the shores of the Dead Sea. It was this community that left the wonderful legacy of the Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in the 1940s. These scrolls have proven invaluable to scholars in throwing light on the religious practices of the day.
Advent is a time in which we too are invited to withdraw a little in prayer and contemplation.
Exploring the Word
During Advent in Year A, the first reading always comes from the prophet Isaiah. It is useful to pay particular attention to his voice, noticing the development of the vision and images he puts before us relating to the meaning of Jesus for the Church and the world. In last week’s reading, Isaiah sees what is to come: the nations assembling, surrendering to the Lord, laying down the weapons of war, beating them into the useful tools of farming and peaceful life. Today, Isaiah describes the qualities of the Spirit of the Lord and the just judgments this brings, resulting in a world of no conflict. In next week’s text, Isaiah describes the glorious and triumphant coming of the Lord and the healing of all that is broken. In the final week of Advent, Isaiah speaks of the maiden who will conceive and give birth to one who is ‘God-is-with-us’.
Explore together these readings from Isaiah and the idyllic, joyous and triumphant world they depict.
In what ways are these readings a reflection of the kingdom of heaven that the Baptist says is near at hand?
What insights does Isaiah offer to the Church for our understanding of the mission and ministry of Jesus?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
In what ways are you preparing a way for the Lord to come into your life at Christmas and at baptism?
What ‘good fruit’ have you produced so far in your life?
Recall some occasions when you were very conscious that you had produced ‘good fruit’ or done something really well. Have there also been occasions when you failed in such a task or were found wanting, when you knew you could have done better? Share your reflections.
Withdraw a little this week from the hectic celebrations of Christmas cheer and concentrate instead on waiting and prayerfully preparing for what is to come. Give thought to the real meaning of Christmas and contemplate what the ‘advent’ of Christ meant to the world.
Use today’s gospel acclamation as your prayer this week:
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: all people shall see the salvation of God. Alleluia!
Sharing the tradition
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
A prophet is one who speaks for God in a particular time and to a particular society. A prophet is not one who sees into the future but, rather, looks critically at the present reality and reads the ‘signs of the times’. Discuss what this notion means.
Isaiah was one of the great prophets of the biblical tradition. Give some historical background to the book of Isaiah and the message it presented to the people of the time.
Introduce some of the other major prophets of Israel and discuss their role in calling the people back their obligations under the covenant.
Discuss who the ‘modern prophets’ may be today and how their message is received?
Symbols and images
The Baptist’s words are a call to a new beginning, a realignment of the road we are taking. We are reminded that the kingdom of God is close at hand and that to be a part of the kingdom, we must produce good fruit or be judged unworthy.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
What special actions of preparation for the coming of Jesus are offered in your faith community? Are there ways that catechumens can be invited to participate in those preparations? Does the community make any special efforts to combat loneliness or isolation in the lead-up to Christmas?
Use the Advent wreath as a focus for prayer again. Pray for all those who need to hear the word of God in their lives. You could sing ‘Prepare the way’(GA 284). Conclude with the prayer of blessing in RCIA at §97C.
Entrance
A voice cries out—G 416, GA 278
Hark! a herald voice is calling—CWBII 239
O come, O come, Emmanuel—AOV1 174, CWB 763, CWBII 242, G 395, GA 285
On Jordan’s bank—CWB 780, CWBII 244, G 418
Prepare! Prepare! (Pishner)—G 398, DD (GIA)
Prepare the way—CWBII 250, GA 284
Prepare the way, O Zion—CWBII 245
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Advent)
Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Haugen)—G 39
Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Pishner)—G 40
Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Thomson)—CWB 168
Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Willcock)—CWBII 632, GA 26, PFS 2
Seasonal Psalm 84 (85): Lord, let us see your kindness (Haugen)—G 62, GA 49
Seasonal Psalm 84 (85): Lord, let us see your kindness (Willcock)—PFS 4
Seasonal Psalm 84 (85): Lord, show us your mercy and love (Briggs)—CWB 169
Gospel acclamation
Luke 3:4, 6
Alleluia, Alleluia! Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: all people shall see the salvation of God. Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
Behold, a rose e’er blooming—CWBII 258, G 451
Come, O long expected Jesus—CWB 657, CWBII 232
There is a longing—CWBII 82
There was a man of God—CWBII 250
Wait for the Lord (Taizé)—CWBII 251, G 406, GA 283
Communion
Bread of life, hope of the world—AOV1 164, CWBII 459, GA 199
Bread of life—AOVNG 15
Bread of the world in mercy broken—CWBII 460
My soul in stillness waits—CWBII 237, G 415, GA 280
Now in this banquet—G 937, GA 197
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
Grant to us, O Lord—CWB 698, CWBII 291, GA 303
Open the heavens—AOV2 163, CWBII 243
Your light will come, Jerusalem (Hurd)—DD (OCP)
Sending forth
A voice cries out—G 416, GA 278
Hark! a herald voice is calling—CWBII 239
On Jordan’s bank—CWB 780, CWBII 244, G 418
Prepare! Prepare! (Pishner)—G 398, DD (GIA)
Prepare the way—CWBII 250, GA 284
Prepare the way, O Zion—CWBII 245
Saviour of the nations, come—CWBII 246
The coming of our Lord—CWBII 248
Presider
Encouraged by the Scriptures, we are a people of hope. With one voice, we bring our prayers of petition before the Lord.
Reader
We pray for Pope Francis and all the bishops as the shepherds of God’s people. May their words of peace and goodwill during this season of Advent be heard and heeded throughout the world.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
As we celebrate Human Rights Day this week, we pray that we may consciously develop a respect for all people, regardless of their race or religion, especially those we meet in our everyday lives.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all the young people in our Church who are preparing to travel to Lisbon for World Youth Day next year. May their faith be strengthened, and may they always feel God’s love in their lives.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community. May we love one another and be united in mind and voice to give glory to God.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our sick family and friends, and for those who feel forgotten in their hour of need. We pray for those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they be welcomed by God to their heavenly home.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
God of wisdom and understanding, receive the prayers of your people. May your justice flourish in our time, and may the fullness of your peace come to all who have placed their trust in you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First reading
Isaiah 2:1–5 The Lord gathers all nations together into the eternal peace of God’s kingdom.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 121(122):1–2, 4–5, 6–9 R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Second reading
Romans 13:11–14 Our salvation is near.
Gospel acclamation
Psalm 84:8 Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation.
Gospel
Matthew 24:37–44 The Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Images from the Word
Until the flood came
Stay awake
Be prepared
Walk in his paths
Awake from sleep
Liturgical notes
For Sundays in Advent,
each Gospel reading has a distinctive theme: the Lord’s coming at the end of time (First Sunday of Advent), John the Baptist (Second and Third Sunday), and the events that prepared immediately for the Lord’s birth (Fourth Sunday). The Old Testament readings are prophecies about the Messiah and the Messianic age, especially from Isaiah. The readings from an apostle serve as exhortations and as proclamations, in keeping with the different themes of Advent.
—Lectionary for Mass: Introduction, §93
The Lectionary for Mass has been established with a very clear purpose. For this reason, it is important to use the readings assigned to each Sunday so that the wisdom of the Church may be maintained. During Advent, this will ensure a full understanding of what we are celebrating in this season.
‘To you, I lift up my soul, O my God. In you, I have trusted; let me not be put to shame. Nor let my enemies exult over me; and let none who hope in you be put to shame.’
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘As it was in Noah’s day, so will it be when the Son of Man comes. For in those days before the Flood people were eating, drinking, taking wives, taking husbands, right up to the day Noah went into the ark, and they suspected nothing till the Flood came and swept all away. It will be like this when the Son of Man comes. Then of two men in the fields one is taken, one left; of two women at the millstone grinding, one is taken, one left.
‘So stay awake, because you do not know the day when your master is coming. You may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what time of the night the burglar would come, he would have stayed awake and would not have allowed anyone to break through the wall of his house. Therefore, you too must stand ready because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’
(Matthew 24:37–44)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
Advent is a four week season of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. The word ‘advent’ means coming. Advent takes up this theme in looking forward to the coming of Christ at Christmas, and especially in looking towards the future coming of Christ at the end times.
The early church believed that the second coming of Christ—the Parousia—was imminent. It could happen at any moment.
The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Church’s liturgical year.
This is Year A of the liturgical calendar, during which the Lectionary readings come predominantly from the Gospel of Matthew.
Exploring the Word
Matthew’s Gospel is written for a mostly Jewish audience who had converted to Christianity. Because of this Jewish background, Matthew often uses images and incidents from the Hebrew Scriptures or Old Testament, with which his community were very familiar. For Matthew, Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecies of old, and the Messiah who has long been awaited.
In this text, Jesus twice uses the title ‘Son of Man’ to describe himself. It is an ambiguous term because it can simply mean a human being but is also used in the Hebrew Scriptures to refer to the one who will be judge and saviour of all.
Explore how the term ‘Son of Man’ is an apt one for Jesus to use of himself.
This text points to the early church’s belief that the end times—the second and final coming of Christ—were imminent and that believers should be ready at all times for this unexpected event.
Explain how this expectation arose and was later modified in the early church. How can we live in expectation today? What does that mean for followers of Christ?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
How do you cope when the unexpected occurs in your life?
In what ways are you ‘alert to life’?
Exchange some memories of unexpected events in your life that took you completely by surprise. How did you cope? What did you do? You could contrast this by sharing stories of an occasion when you spent a great deal of time and energy in preparing for something that you knew was coming. How did it feel when the long-awaited event finally arrived? Was the preparation useful?
Be alert and watchful for the needs of others this week, and be ready to respond to those needs. Rejoice in the unexpected.
One of the prayers of the early church that is linked with this season of waiting and longing is the Aramaic word Maranatha, which means ‘Come Lord.’ Use this prayer as a mantra this week.
Sharing the tradition
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
The celebration of a feast to honour the birth of Jesus did not emerge in the West until the fourth century. Scholars generally note that by ad 336, such a feast was in place and celebrated in Rome on 25 December. This comparatively late development of a feast to celebrate the birth of Christ may seem surprising to contemporary Christians, for whom Christmas is so central. However, we must remember that the earliest Christians expected the glorious return of Christ in their own lifetimes. It was only with time and an obvious delay to the Second Coming that such a feast could emerge. Furthermore, time provided the opportunity for a greater and more mature theological reflection on the mysteries of the incarnation and the Second Coming.
Advent, as a period of preparation for the feast of Christmas, developed later still. There is no evidence of such a preparatory time in Rome until well into the sixth century. It was Pope Gregory the Great (ad 590–604) who established a four-week liturgical preparation for Christmas, but the eschatological (end-time) themes of the Second Coming were not established until the Middle Ages.
You could discuss the liturgical symbols and colours of Advent and some of the ways that Christians can use this time of waiting to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas.
You could introduce some Advent traditions, such as the Advent wreath or the Advent calendar.
Symbols and images
Advent has a past, present and future dimension. We look back to the events of Bethlehem when Christ first entered the world; we reflect on Christ’s presence today, and we look forward with joy to the future coming of Christ. Today’s gospel reminds us that we must be ready for that coming.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
Invite candidates and catechumens to make their own Advent wreath for use in their homes during the period of Advent. Are there ways they could be involved in making the Advent wreath that will be used in your community liturgies?
Use an Advent wreath as a focus for prayer during this season. Pray for each other as you prepare to welcome Jesus into your lives. You could use or adapt the candle lighting ritual in Gather Australia (GA 272).There are also a number of Advent songs you could use (GA 277–285). Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in RCIA at §94E.
Entrance
Advent Litany—CWBII 253, GA 279
Advent Song—GA 281
Christ, be our light—AOV2 3, CWBII 540, G 590, GA 404
City of God—AOV1 57, CWBII 453, G 766, GA 498
Come Lord Jesus (Connolly)—DD (AOV, Year of Grace collection)
Come, O long expected Jesus—CWB 657, CWBII 232
Come to set us free—AOV1 39, CWBII 233, GA 277
Emmanuel (Angrisano)—DD (OCP)
Eternal God who made the stars—CWBII 236a
Grant to us, O Lord—CWB 698, CWBII 291, GA 303
Open the heavens—AOV2 163, CWBII 243
Rejoice! The Lord is King—CWB 799, CWBII 377
The coming of our Lord—CWBII 248
The King shall come—G 414
Wake, O wake, and sleep no longer—GA 282
When the King shall come again—CWBII 249
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Advent)
Psalm 121 (122): Let us go rejoicing (Herry)—DD (Marist Music)
Psalm 121 (122): Let us go rejoicing (Joncas)—G 84
Psalm 121 (122): Let us go rejoicing (Kremer)—CWB 172
Psalm 121 (122): Let us go rejoicing (Roberts)—G 85
Psalm 121 (122): Let us go rejoicing (Willcock)—CWBII 536, GA 72, PFS 60
Common Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Haugen)—G 39
Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Pishner)—G 40
Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Thomson)—CWB 168
Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Willcock)—CWBII 632, GA 26, PFS 2
Seasonal Psalm 84 (85): Lord, let us see your kindness (Haugen)—G 62, GA 49
Seasonal Psalm 84 (85): Lord, let us see your kindness (Willcock)—PFS 4
Seasonal Psalm 84 (85): Lord, show us your mercy and love (Briggs)—CWB 169
Gospel acclamation
Psalm 84:8
Alleluia, Alleluia! Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation. Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
Advent Chant—AOV2 123
Advent Litany—CWBII 253, GA 279
God of Abraham—AOV1 137, GA 306
In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful (Taizé)—AOV2 109, CWBII 522, G 639, GA 429
Wait for the Lord (Taizé)—CWBII 251, G 406, GA 283
Your light will come, Jerusalem (Hurd)—DD (OCP)
Communion
Bread of life, hope of the world—AOV1 164, CWBII 459, GA 199
Bread of life—AOVNG 15
Bread of the world in mercy broken—CWBII 460
My soul in stillness waits—CWBII 237, G 415, GA 280
Now in this banquet—G 937, GA 197
Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Willcock)—CWBII 632, GA 26, PFS 2
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
Rejoice! The Lord is King—CWB 799, CWBII 377
Sing to God with joy and gladness—AOV2 39, CWBII 603
Soon and very soon—G 865
Sending forth
Come to set us free—AOV1 39, CWBII 233, GA 277
Find us ready, Lord (Booth)—DD (OCP)
Glory and praise to our God—AOV1 16, CWBII 491, GA 417, G 606
Let heaven rejoice—AOV1 124
Sing to God with joy and gladness—AOV2 39, CWBII 603
Sing to the mountains—AOV1 92, CWBII 604, G 519, GA 362
The voice of God—CWB 835, CWBII 621, GA 476
Presider
Gathered together in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we open our hearts in prayer for God’s people everywhere.
Reader
We pray for Pope Francis, as leader of our Church, as he continues to encourage us to look to the Gospel as the words of eternal life.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all peoples of our world, in the words of Isaiah, ‘that nation will not lift up sword against nation’ and that peace will come to us all.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all agencies that reach out to people in need. May their workers be supported in their efforts to awaken a feeling of self-worth in all those they encounter.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community. May the spirit of the season of Advent open our hearts to its message of goodwill to each other, especially within families.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the sick of our parish and for all who have asked for our prayers. We pray for all the faithful departed, especially those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they now rejoice in the presence of God’s unconditional love.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
Gracious God, through these prayers, continue to show us the way to your peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel
The people stayed there before the cross watching Jesus. As for the leaders, they jeered at him. ‘He saved others,’ they said ‘let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.’ The soldiers mocked him too, and when they approached to offer vinegar they said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’ Above him there was an inscription: ‘This is the King of the Jews.’
One of the criminals hanging there abused him. ‘Are you not the Christ?’ he said. ‘Save yourself and us as well.’ But the other spoke up and rebuked him. ‘Have you no fear of God at all?’ he said. ‘You got the same sentence as he did, but in our case we deserved it: we are paying for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus,’ he said ‘remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ ‘Indeed, I promise you,’ he replied ‘today you will be with me in paradise.’
(Luke 23:35–43)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
Crucifixes often have the letters ‘INRI’ inscribed on them. These are the Latin initials for Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum, which translates to ‘Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews’. These are the words that Pilate had written on the cross above Jesus.
All four gospels state that Jesus was crucified between two thieves; however, only the Gospel of Luke includes the story of one thief recognising and believing in Jesus. This account aligns with Luke’s overall theme of God’s grace being granted to the lowly and the outcast.
Today is the final Sunday of the liturgical year for the Church. Next week is the first Sunday of Advent and the beginning of a new church year, during which the Gospel of Matthew will be read.
Exploring the Word
It is fitting that this final text in the liturgy from the Gospel of Luke emphasises some dominant themes and proclaims the kingship of Jesus. Throughout this liturgical year, we have noted the radical reversal that forms the heart of the Gospel. Christ is not proclaimed a king in a scene of glorious enthronement, but instead as a broken man nailed to a cross. Jesus’ kingship is revealed, paradoxically, in the moment of his deepest humiliation. Throughout the Gospel, Jesus seeks out and saves the lost—and in the current text, it is a common criminal, rightly condemned, who proclaims the kingdom that Jesus is to inhabit. True to form, the compassionate Jesus of the Gospel of Luke assures the thief of his salvation, and he prays for God to forgive those who had brought him to this point (Luke 23:34).
How have you experienced the forgiveness offered by Jesus?
Reflect on the words of the Our Father: ‘Thy Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.’ What are the implications of this prayer for believers? How can we help build the kingdom of God on earth?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
What do you think and feel when you contemplate the image of Christ being crucified?
Have you ever been punished when you have done nothing wrong? How did it make you feel?
The general public seems to be fascinated by royalty and royal families, who certainly achieve plenty of coverage in the media. Share your feelings about royalty and royal personages. How does their royal image compare with that of Christ the King?
Place a crucifix in a place of honour in your home. Spend some time each day praying before the crucified Christ.
The plea of the penitent thief makes a fine prayer this week: Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Sharing the tradition
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
The feast of Christ the King is relatively new in the church calendar. Pope Pius XI established this feast in 1925 after the world had experienced the horrors of the First World War, which had exposed the brutality and destruction unleashed by so-called civilised Christian nations. The royal house of Russia had been murdered, and kingdoms toppled in the aftermath of war. The Church’s role in social and cultural life was diminishing, and a greater separation of Church and state emerged. The feast of Christ the King aimed to directly confront growing secularism and confirm that ultimate authority resides not with nations or military power, but with Christ as the universal king. This feast occurs on the final Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year—and it proclaims that Christ presides over the whole of history, and that all of time and all the ages belong to him (CCC, §450).
Discuss this concept of Christ the King in light of our era of declining royalties. How helpful is the concept to members of the group?
You could use visual images of Christ the King as a stimulus, such as Eastern icons.
You could compare other images of Jesus to further the discussion, such as Christ the Good Shepherd.
Symbols and images
The image of a king depicts someone wielding ultimate authority, to whom loyalty and obedience is owed. It is with this understanding that we celebrate Christ as king. During his life, Jesus preached about the kingdom of God while avoiding any attempts from others to make him a king in an earthly sense. He was not interested in power or glory, nor in military might. Instead, Jesus’ kingship is rooted in the profound authority of his teachings and in the recognition that he is God among us.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
What visual images of Jesus are presented in your church or parish buildings? You could examine them and discuss the images of Jesus that they present.
Use a crucifix as a focus for prayer. If participants do not have a cross of their own, you might consider offering a presentation of one to each catechumen. You could spend some time in quiet reflection while listening to the Taizé chant, Jesus, Remember Me (GA 308). Another appropriate song could be Jesus Christ, Yesterday, Today and Forever (GA 527). Pray for the coming of God’s kingdom. Pray for each other that, like the penitent thief, everyone will have a place in the kingdom. Conclude with an adaptation of the prayer of blessing in the RCIA at §97I.
Presider
God has rescued us from the powers of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son. Through Christ the King, we offer our prayers to the Father.
Reader
We pray for Pope Francis and all our bishops. May they be inspired by the model of Christ the King, who served God’s people so humbly.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all civic leaders and rulers. May the biblical images of Christ the King and the Good Shepherd challenge civic leaders and rulers to truly serve their people.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
Jesus made peace with the world through his death on the cross. We pray for our world in need of peace today. May all people be led to the sense of hope and confidence that Jesus promised us all.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
As we approach the end of this liturgical year, we pray with gratitude for our parish priests and all those who have served us this year. We look forward in faith for their continuing support.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who are ill and for all who take care of them. We pray for those who have died recently and for those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they and their families be comforted by Jesus’ promise that they will be with him in paradise.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
God of justice and peace, we ask you to remember all the people we have entrusted to you today. May we always be encouraged by the promises you have made us through your Son, Christ our Lord. Amen.
