Opening Prayer
Almighty ever-living God,
whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of the universe,
grant, we pray, that the whole creation, set free from slavery, may render your majesty service
and ceaselessly proclaim your praise.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
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Readings
First Reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-3
“All the tribes of Israel then came to David at Hebron and said: ‘Here we are, your bone and your flesh. In days past, when Saul was our king, it was you who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD said to you, “You shall shepherd my people Israel and shall be commander of Israel.”’ When all the elders of Israel came to David in Hebron and said: ‘Behold, we are your bone and your flesh.’ So David made a pact with them in Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel.”
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5
“Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me, ‘We will go up to the house of the LORD.’ And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity. To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD.
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. According to the decree for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.”
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Second Reading: Colossians 1:12-20
“Brothers and sisters: Let us give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible … all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be pre-eminent. For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”
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Gospel: Luke 23:35-43
“The people stayed there watching. As for the leaders, they sneered at Jesus and said, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.’ Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, ‘If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.’ Above him there was an inscription that read, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’
Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, ‘Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.’ The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, ‘Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes; but this man has done nothing criminal.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied to him, ‘Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’”
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Explanation
Theme: This feast celebrates Christ’s kingship—His sovereignty over all creation, over the Church, and over each person’s life. Catholic Culture+1
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In the first reading, the anointing of David as king of Israel prefigures the greater kingship of Jesus. Just as David was chosen and anointed to lead God’s people, Christ is the anointed King of God’s people and all creation.
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The Responsorial Psalm expresses a joyful pilgrimage to the house of the Lord—reminding us that the reign of Christ invites us to worship and unity.
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In the second reading, St. Paul tells us that Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, and that through him all things were created and held together. This is a majestic presentation of Christ’s universality and pre-eminence (Col 1:15-17).
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The Gospel shows Jesus on the cross, mocked as “King of the Jews,” yet exercising his kingship in humility and service. One criminal recognises Him and asks “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,” and Jesus replies, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” This highlights that Christ’s kingdom is inclusive, gracious, and rooted in self-giving love.
For Catechumens:
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Recognise that being in Christ’s kingdom is not about worldly power, but about being embraced by his love and sharing in his life (Colossians).
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The Gospel invites you to trust Christ as your king and Saviour—even at the moment of death, he grants entrance into his kingdom.
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The first reading invites you to accept your identity as “bone and flesh” of Christ—to live in union with him and with the community of believers.
Application
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In your daily life, ask: “Am I living as a subject of Christ’s kingdom – his rule of truth, life, holiness, and peace?” (as outlined in the preface for the feast) Catholic Culture
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Let the second reading motivate you to gratitude: you have been transferred from darkness into the kingdom of the Son—so live in light and freedom. Colossians 1:13-14.
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When faced with suffering or mockery (as Jesus was in the Gospel), remember that Christ reigns by humility and service. Try to follow that example: serve others, love even when it’s difficult.
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For catechumens preparing to enter the Church, reflect on your calling as part of the “kingdom of his beloved Son.” Ask for grace to commit your life to him as your King and Saviour.
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Participate in this feast by singing or proclaiming confidently: “Christ is King!” Let it not only be a title, but a reality in your heart and in your actions.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe,
you have revealed your power through your cross, and you reign by your love.
Grant that your kingdom may grow in our hearts,
and that we may proclaim your reign by lives of faith, hope and charity.
May we live as your loyal subjects now and reign with you forever.
You live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
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