LL_Icon

Lifelong Catechesis

Forming Catholic identity across generations
September 10, 2024
Close
Close
Close

Ordinary Time

For a large part of the liturgical year, we devote ourselves to listening to the mystery of Christ in all its aspects unfolded as we seek God's truth and understanding.

Sunday Readings and Backgrounds

Previous Next

Solemnity of Christ the King

Reading I : 2 Samuel 5:1-3

David is anointed King.

  • When the Israelites anoint David as king, they claim him as brother, a condition for kingship required to prevent foreign rule.
  • After the kingship ceased, people longed for the time of David, an age of peace and prosperity.
  • Some people hoped for a renewal of the kingdom. Others were looking for a specific person, a messiah of either kingly or priestly rank.

Reading II : Colossians 1:12-20

Give thanks to the Father.

  • The Letter to the Colossians presents a different image of kingship.
  • Kingship now involved preeminence over all creation.
  • The kingdom has moved into eternity, and Christ is the first within it.

Gospel : Luke 23:25-43

You will be with me in paradise.

  • At the crucifixion, Jesus died with the sign nailed over his head, "The King of the Jews." Jesus did not fit the common image of the anointed king or messiah.
  • In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus promises a place in his kingdom to one of the criminals executed with him.
  • The good thief was promised a place in "Paradise" because Jesus' death marked the beginning of a new way to salvation.