25 Nov
Sun 		Feast of Christ the King
2 Sam. 5:1-3
Ps. 121:1-2, 4-5
Col. 1:12-20
Lk. 23:35-43
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In celebrating the mystery of Jesus, the Church has followed the method of Scripture. In the pages of Scripture, Jesus has many different names and titles. An early Church Father asked why this was so, and taught that all the names and titles of Jesus were necessary in order to reveal to us different aspects of the mystery. Each name marks one facet of the mystery, and is not in itself adequate to express the total mystery.

In the Christmas liturgy we call Him "Immanuel", "Son of David". Throughout the liturgical year we hear Him called "Son of Man", Son of Mary", Son of Joseph". He is affirmed as the "Christ", the "Messiah". At Easter we celebrate Him as "Saviour" and "Lord", the "Author of Life".

Then we have feasts of the Sacred Heart, Corpus Christi, the Transfiguration, the Holy Name of Jesus. Now at the end of the liturgical year, just before Advent, we celebrate Him as King, He who did not want to be king during His lifetime but who was crucified as "King of the Jews". The coming season of Advent and the feast of Christmas will remind us of the true meaning of His kingship. A king born in a manger!


Jesus, King of the ages, be king of our hearts.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That holy and exemplary men and women may be our companions in proclaiming boldly the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
Elaboration

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P R A Y I N G    W I T H    T H E    C H U R C H    

INTENTION : That holy and exemplary men and women may be our companions in proclaiming boldly the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

"They began to proclaim the word of God boldly" (Acts 4:31). The word "boldly" can also be translated as "audaciously" or with "forthrightness" in announcing the Christian message. The ideal agents of evangelisation should be "holy and exemplary persons". Though God could have spread His Kingdom without human collaboration, He has always sought human partners, who as suitable and free instruments, work for the salvation of humankind.

The laity can evangelise chiefly through prayer, the testimony of life and the establishment of a temporal order inspired by the Gospel. Though preaching the Gospel is the competence and principal duty of those who have been ordained, lay people, who have the necessary theological training, can preach.

Vatican II stresses the need for priests to be holy preachers. God ordinarily prefers to show his wonders through those men who are more submissive to the impulse and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because of their intimate union with Christ and their holiness of life, they are able to say with St Paul: "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Gal. 2:20). Let us therefore pray that all those who devote themselves directly to evangelisation may live a holy life that emphasises the credibility of the Christian message.



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