The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King – Year B

First Reading

Daniel 7:13-14

Daniel prophesies about the coming of the Son of Man.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 93:1,1-2,5

A prayer of praise to God our king

Second Reading

Revelation 1:5-8

Jesus is the firstborn of the dead and the ruler of all.

Gospel Reading

John 18:33b-37

Jesus is questioned by Pilate about the charge brought against him that he is “King of the Jews.”

Background on the Gospel Reading

This Sunday is the last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year. On this Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. Each year we set aside this Sunday to reflect upon this title that we have given to Jesus. In Lectionary Cycle C, we read a portion of the passion from the Gospel of John, which is also part of the Gospel reading proclaimed each year on Good Friday.

In John’s Gospel, Pilate is shown in a more favorable light than in the other Gospels. In today’s reading, we hear one of two dialogues between Jesus and Pilate that are reported in John’s Gospel. Pilate questions Jesus about the charges brought against him. Caiaphas and the high priests have charged Jesus with a political crime, one that would require a punishment of death. Pilate distances himself from the Jewish leaders who accuse Jesus; he is not a Jew, and he seems to want little to do with this Jewish affair.

In his responses to Pilate’s questions, Jesus distinguishes his kingdom from the political powers of this world. King and kingdom may be appropriate terms for Jesus’ mission and promise, but only by analogy. Jesus is king, but not the kind of king we imagine or expect. He was certainly not the kind of king Pilate feared he might be.

Jesus refers to a kingdom that does not belong to this world. This has been mentioned earlier in John’s Gospel. Recall that in his prayer during the Last Supper discourse (see John 17:6-18), Jesus prayed for his disciples who are in the world but do not belong to the world. Yet like Jesus, they are sent into the world for the world’s salvation. In today’s reading, we see Jesus identify the final proof that his kingdom is not of this world: If his kingdom were of this world, then there would be people fighting to save him. Again, we hear echoes of John’s theme—salvation is worked out through a cosmic battle. It is helpful to return to the first chapter of John’s Gospel to understand the context for Jesus’ words to Pilate. Jesus came into the world, but the world did not know him. In John’s language, the world prefers darkness, and yet the light will not be overcome by the darkness.

Truth has been another important theme in John’s Gospel. We see it emphasized in the conclusion of the dialogue between Jesus and Pilate. Those who know the truth will recognize Jesus as king and will know how to interpret this insight. Yet Jesus’ kingship was hidden from many of his contemporaries. Only those chosen, those who have the eyes of faith, are able to see. As modern disciples of Jesus, we also struggle at times to recognize Jesus as king. Today’s Gospel invites us to see with eyes of faith that we might recognize that Jesus, through his crucifixion and death, is indeed king and Savior of all.

To Jesus Christ Our Sovereign King



This traditional hymn is used for many occasions including the Solemnity of Christ the King. The St Mary Choir and Orchestra perform "To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King" at our solemn Christ, the King Mass. November 25, 2012. St Mary Catholic Parish, Littleton, CO. Marcia Marchesi, conductor.

Christmas Boutique

The ladies of the Altar Society are holding their annual Christmas Boutique and Bake Sale this weekend.



• Saturday, November 23 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm

• Sunday November 24 from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm.

They have a large selection of Christmas items, including Department 56 Dickens Village collection. Stop by and see what the ladies have put together this year.

Family Mass for Advent

The next Family Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, December 1 at 9:00 am. We will explore the meaning of Advent as preparation for Christmas. Advent candles will be on sale after the Mass for $5.00 and a limited supply of brass rings for an Advent wreath will be available for $10.00. (Cash only.)



Come and bring the whole family.

Flower Sale

The Knights of Columbus will be holding a flower sale on November 23-24.  A bouquet of flowers will still be only $15.00 and once again the proceeds will benefit Birth Choice of San Marcos. Available until they are sold out.

NAVIDEÑO GRATUITO PARA

PERSONAS MAYORES

Un Saludo de

parte del Diacono Miguel,

“Jesús le contestó (a Pilato), “Mi Reino no es de este mundo. Si mi Reino fuera de este mundo, mis servidores habrían luchado para que no cayera yo en manos de los judíos. Pero mi Reino no es de aquí. Pilato le dijo, “¿Conque tú eres rey?” Jesús le contestó, “Tú lo has dicho. Soy rey. Yo nací y vine al mundo para ser testigo de la verdad. Todo el que es de la verdad, escucha mi voz”. (Evangelio San Juan 18: 33b-37). Jesús no es reconocido por el los lideres religiosos del pueblo judío ni por muchos que lo rodeaban. Y se encuentra, atado de las manos, enfrente de Pilato conversando del Reino de Jesús. El Reino de Jesús no es cómo los reinos de este mundo, basados en el poder, violencia e imposición. Sino su Reino es basado en el amor y la compasión, un reino construido en discípulos que viven cómo Jesús y tratan a otros con amor y compasión. Este domingo, celebramos la Solemnidad de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, Rey del Universo. Miramos a Cristo y le rindamos nuestras vidas y sueños, temores y pesadillas, proclamando en voz alta, “¡Viva Cristo Rey!” y reflejando lo que significan estas palabras para nosotros. Cuidado, porque el mundo nos distrae. Se nos olvida que, cómo discípulos de Jesús, tenemos que estar conscientes y en solidaridad con aquellos que sufren y lloran, con los que tienen hambre y sed, con los presos y enfermos, con los inmigrantes y con los que están solos y abandonados. Cristo vino por ellos y se mantiene al lado de ellos por medio de sus discípulos, somos tú y yo. Hermanas y hermanos, este año al gritar, “¡Viva Cristo Rey! ¡Viva Cristo Rey!”, que cause un movimiento dentro de nosotros y seamos inspirados a vivir más de los que nos enseñó Jesús. 

Detente

Hablemos de Cristo Rey

3821 Adams Street

Carlsbad, California 92008

760.729.2866