Feast of Christ the King 2024 - Year B

Gospel for the day - Feast of Christ the King

John 18:33-37 'It is you who say that I am a king.'

Pilate went back into the palace and called Jesus. "Are you the King of the Jews?" he asked him.


Jesus answered, "Does this question come from you or have others told you about me?"

Pilate replied, "Do you think I am a Jew? It was your own people and the chief priests who handed you over to me. What have you done?"

Jesus said, "My kingdom does not belong to this world; if my kingdom belonged to this world, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish authorities. No, my kingdom does not belong here!"

So Pilate asked him, "Are you a king, then?"

Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. I was born and came into the world for this one purpose, to speak about the truth. Whoever belongs to the truth listens to me."

This is the gospel of the Lord. Commentary on the readings.



Having used our prayer resources, you might want simply to reflect yourself on them and how that might flow into your coming week. Some people have found it very helpful to meet with others and share their thoughts.
If you are interested  in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word from any of the resources you have watched please email us.         cluster.alpha@outlook.com



Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

In his earthly life Jesus the Messiah was neither king nor priest but people referred to him often as a prophet. It’s the prophet who has come to “bear witness to the truth” – and is often reviled for doing so.

Both John the Baptist and Jesus knew you could murder the witness but you can’t kill the truth.


  1. Think of one area this liturgical year where your/others’ reflection on the gospels helped your faith development. Share.
  2. In what ways is Jesus the ruler of your life*

 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center


Prayers of Intercession

For Pope Francis and all church leaders, that in bearing witness to the truth, that they may draw others to God.
Lord hear us. Lord graciously hear us.

 

That the leaders of all nations follow the example of Jesus, commit themselves to the truth, so we the people with whom they have been entrusted, especially the weakest in societies.
Lord hear us. Lord graciously hear us.

 

For all young people that they may inspired by the words of the gospel and the example of our community, in working together for justice and truth.
Lord hear us. Lord graciously hear us.

 

That people of all ages will be valued by our community and that their gifts and talents be recognised and used to help build the Kingdom within our parish and cluster communities.

Lord hear us. Lord graciously hear us.

 

That this coming Advent will find us prepared to discover the Lord in the most unexpected places.
Lord hear us. Lord graciously hear us.


We pray for all those, in our community, who are unwell and for all on the prayer foundation list.
Lord hear us. Lord graciously hear us.


That the faithful departed, whom we remember this month, will live forever with Christ our King.
We especially remember Fr Gordon Brown, Fr Eugene, Jean Harvey, Mary Mc Fadden & Paul Devine. And Sadie McCole whose anniversary falls at this time.
Lord hear us. Lord graciously hear us.

 

We will now say together the prayer to be missionary disciples.


Cluster prayer

Lord continue to bless our community in this time of transition.

Help us on our journey to grow from a maintenance church to a missionary church.
Give us the courage to be missionary disciples.
Make our doors wide enough to receive all who need human love and fellowship; narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and prejudice.

Kindle in us the fire of your love that all who come here will find joy, peace and love.

Make this a house of prayer and a gateway to your kingdom.

AMEN

Preparing for next week -  First Sunday of Advent

Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 'Your liberation is near at hand.'


"There will be strange things happening to the sun, the moon, and the stars. On earth whole countries will be in despair, afraid of the roar of the sea and the raging tides. People will faint from fear as they wait for what is coming over the whole earth, for the powers in space will be driven from their courses. Then the Son of Man will appear, coming in a cloud with great power and glory. When these things begin to happen, stand up and raise your heads, because your salvation is near."

"Be on your guard! Don't let yourselves become occupied with too much feasting and drinking and with the worries of this life, or that Day may suddenly catch you like a trap. For it will come upon all people everywhere on earth. Be on the alert and pray always that you will have the strength to go safely through all those things that will happen and to stand before the Son of Man."


This is the gospel of the Lord. Commentary on the readings.


Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)


Sometimes we fix Jesus historically into a first coming 2000 years ago and a second coming at some time in the future. The fact is Jesus comes as often as we invite him into our hearts. That does not stop us preparing to celebrate his birth at Christmas - rather we should be well practised at welcoming him into our hearts by then!

  1. In this season of Advent let’s see if we can find daily opportunities to welcome the Lord. For example, when you see Christmas products or hear references to Christmas just say a  quick prayer of welcome e.g. “Come Lord Jesus”, “Lord I love you”. Share your prayer.
  2. What have been the strengths of your prayer life? What habit of prayer could you strengthen during this Advent season?*

 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center