This Week's Liturgy

"My kingdom is not here"

November 24th, 2024

Our Lord Jesus Christ the King

Activities for Primary Grades
Activities

Discussion Questions for Reading 1

Today is the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. In this reading from Daniel, we can see Jesus as the Son of Man who receives kingship from God the Father. What do we learn from Daniel about the Son of Man's kingship? How is Jesus different from any worldly king or leader? What are some of the qualities you admire in Christ our King?

What ideas do you have about how we can best honor Christ the King?

Reading 1 Daniel 7:13–14

Reading 1 Reflection

Once again we hear about the visions of the prophet Daniel. He sees "one like a Son of man" coming from the heavens into the presence of God. This messiah-king receives from God the Father power and kingship over all nations. His rule is universal and it lasts forever. No one can take it away from him.

"Son of Man" later became a title of the Messiah. Jesus applied this title to himself. The Messiah was also thought of as a king. When Jesus was on trial before the high priest, he quoted the vision of Daniel to describe himself.

Discussion Questions for Reading 2

The feast of Christ the King reminds us that to be a disciple of Jesus in today's world we should be able to recognize the "signs of the times."

· What "signs of the times" are you most aware of? What signs point to people's need for Jesus? How can you respond to a "sign of the times" by turning to Jesus as your Savior and King? How can you encourage others to turn to Jesus too?

Reading 2 Revelation 1:5–8

Reading 2 Reflection

We are delighted whenever someone we love is honored. In this reading from the beginning of the Book of Revelation, John has a vision of the second coming of Jesus Christ. He comes in the clouds as the "ruler of the kings of the earth." He is "the Alpha and the Omega," "the first and the last, the beginning and the end" (Revelation 22:13). He is the "faithful witness" to God's promises and the first to rise from the dead. Now he is worshipped as our crucified and risen King.

On this triumphant feast day we rejoice in Christ's kingship. And we give thanks that Jesus has made of us a royal priesthood to serve our God and Father.

Discussion Questions for Gospel

Trial scenes are often dramatized in movies and on TV. Imagine that you are a Roman soldier who is present at Pilate's official residence as the prisoner Jesus of Nazareth is being questioned. What might you think when you hear Jesus' answer to Pilate's question, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Why might you be surprised when you hear Jesus describe his kingdom? How might you respond when you hear why Jesus had come into the world? How do you think you would feel about this prisoner-king who was facing a possible death sentence?

What are some of the ways people your age can show that they are committed to Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life? How can you give evidence that Jesus rules in your life?

Gospel John 18:33b–37

Gospel Reflection

What kind of king is Jesus? In this reading from the Passion account in John's Gospel, Jesus provides us with his own answer. Pontius Pilate was the Roman official who held power in Palestine. He asks Jesus if he is the king of the Jews. Pilate really wants to know whether Jesus might be part of a Jewish revolt against Roman rule. Jesus assures Pilate that his kingdom is not of this world. He is not one who rules by force. However he is a king who came into the world "to testify to the truth." All who recognize him as "the way and the truth and the life" will hear his voice (John 14:6).

As the Church year comes to a close, we are grateful for the ways in which we have heard our King's voice in the liturgy this year. We consider how to live the words of Jesus more faithfully as the circle of the new liturgical year begins.

Proclaiming Faith Activities for Primary Grades

Christ the King Crowns

Each child will make a crown to celebrate the feast of Christ the King. Provide each child with a simple pattern of a crown. Provide sequins, stickers, paint, markers, etc. for the children to use to decorate their crowns before they cut them out. Have them cut out the crown and staple the two ends together. You may want to help the children hold their crowns on their heads to find the right size before they staple the ends. Have the children wear their crowns as they sing a hymn such as "Crown Him with Many Crowns," "Hymn to Christ the King," or "To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King" in celebration of the feast of Christ the King.

Christ Our King Song

Christ Our King

(Sing to the tune of Frere Jacques)

Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ
is our king;
is our king.

He rules with peace and justice.
He gives life to all people.
We praise him.
Praise our king.

Let us worship,
let us worship,
Christ our king;
Christ our king.

As king he is the way,
the truth, and the life.
We praise him.
Praise our king.

Proclaiming Faith Activities

Pledging Allegiance

A pledge of allegiance is a promise to be loyal to a nation or to a ruler. Today we celebrate Jesus Christ as our King. He is a king who rules by truth and love, and who desires justice and peace for all people.

With your partner or group, compose a Pledge of Allegiance to Jesus Our King. In your pledge, include what Jesus stands for and why we are loyal to him.

Celebrating Growing Seasons

We have come full circle around the Church year. Together we have grown and changed during each season from Advent to Ordinary Time. Just as your appearance has changed since last Advent, you now "look different" as a person of faith.

For each season below, complete the statement by naming one way you have grown in your understanding of the Church year, or one way you have changed in the way you live your faith.

I celebrated Advent as a season when I grew or changed by _____________________________________.

I celebrated Christmas as a season when I grew or changed by _____________________________________.

I celebrated Lent and the Triduum as seasons when I grew or changed by _____________________________________.

I celebrated Easter as a season when I grew or changed by _____________________________________.

I celebrated Ordinary Time as a season when I grew or changed by _____________________________________.