This page was updated 11/29/2006 08:37 AM Click here for Men of Epiphany home page

Men of Epiphany will be meeting this Saturday, November 25th, 6:30 a.m. in the Hearth room. We are resuming our use of these study reflections, so if you can make it, it is a marvelous preparation for this week's Mass readings.

Invite someone to come with you!

Click here for a PDF of this week's study.   Click here for the study in a Word document.

Jesus Christ, King of the Universe and Our King

Sunday, November 26, 2006
Daniel 7:13-14
Psalm 93:1-2,5
Revelation 1:5-8
John 18:33-37

Click here for readings  (For quick review only; bring your Bible)

If, as sociologists say, we live in an age of individualism, it may seem hard to reconcile ourselves to the theme of today’s feast of Christ the King. However, Jesus’ confession before Pilate—”My kingdom is not from this world” (John 18:36)—reminds us that his kingship cannot be compared to any era of human society. It is wholly unique.

Throughout his ministry, Jesus shunned the title of king. He told his disciples not to speak of his true identity and commanded the demons not to reveal his authority. He waited until the very end, when it seemed too late for anyone to believe him, to announce: “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world” (John 18:37).

Jesus fits none of our conceptions of majesty. Throughout the ages, monarchs and emperors, kings and dictators, have come and gone. Yet no ruler has ever captured hearts like Jesus. No one has served his subjects so faithfully and with such compassion. Never was there another ruler who gave up his own life to save even his disloyal subjects.

Just as Jesus’ love for us is absolute, so his claims upon us are absolute. He is our king, but we must decide to enthrone him over our lives. The supreme act of true individuality is to give of oneself to another freely, as when a bride and groom freely forsake all others. Likewise, Jesus never commands our allegiance; he waits for us to surrender ourselves to his reign over us. In return, he promises eternal life with the Father and the fruits of the Spirit in those who deepen their unity with him.

St. Ignatius of Loyola was so moved to become a knight in the service of Christ the King that he prayed: “Take, Lord, receive all my liberty, memory, understanding, my entire will.” May this be our attitude as we prepare for Jesus’ triumphant return.

“Lord Jesus, remove all the obstacles to your reign within me. Let me be your servant. Transform me into a witness to your sovereign power and your unshakeable love. Come, Lord Jesus!”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1.    The great reality of Christianity is the Risen Christ reigning in all the glory of his victory over death. “His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away” (Daniel 7:14)). He is king not only of nations and peoples, but also families and our individual hearts and wills. However, how easy it is for us to go through a typical week with ourselves sitting on the throne of our hearts and wills, rather than Christ. What practical steps can you take to ensure that Christ has a more prominent place in your thoughts and actions?

2.    The Responsorial Psalm speaks of the splendor and strength of our king. It goes on to say that he is worthy of our trust (Psalm 93:1-2). Share about any areas in your life where your trust in Christ is weaker than it should be. How can you increase your trust in Christ and open yourself more to Christ’s influence and power in these areas?

3.    In the second reading, St. John tells us that our king, who “is coming amid the clouds,” and that he loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood shed on the cross. What practical steps can you take to share this great love of God with your family and with others during the grace-filled Advent season?

4.    Also in the second reading we hear that Christ “shares” his powers with us for the ministry of salvation: we are all “priests for his God and Father.” He has generously placed his power into our fragile hands! Can you identify any people that need to come to know Christ and his great love for them? What can you do to help bring them to your King?

5.    In the Gospel, Christ asserts that his kingship bears no relation with earthly kings. We know that even Christ’s disciples misunderstood the nature of his kingship, often confusing it with earthly power and with lording that power over others. Christ’s kingdom is one of service to others. What are some new areas of service to others that the Lord may be calling you to?

6.    In the meditation, we hear these words: “Just as Jesus’ love for us is absolute, so his claims upon us are absolute. He is our king, but we must decide to enthrone him over our lives.” What do these words mean to you? What can you do to make Jesus truly the center of your life?

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen