Christ the King | The 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2021

Today is Sunday the 21 November, the feast of Christ the King, beginning the 34th week of Ordinary time.
 

The University of Johannesburg Choir sing Ndisondela Kuwe, I
come to you in prayer, almighty God. You are worthy to be praised. On this feast of Christ the King can I come before Christ in prayer and praise Him?
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.
 
John 18:33-37
 

Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?’ Pilate replied, ‘I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?’ Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.’ Pilate asked him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.’
 
 
Today is the feast of Christ the King. Jesus stands before an earthly authority, bound and vulnerable. Hear the question asked, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
 
As you reflect on this scene, what images of Jesus do you have in you?
Servant, friend, healer, crucified saviour, risen Lord; is Jesus the King one of them?
 
Jesus the teacher, as so often, replies not with an answer but another question. Though under arrest, he appears to be in control of the conversation.
How do you react when things are out of your control?
What can you learn from Jesus today that may help?
 
As you listen to the reading again, imagine yourself in the scene, what feelings rise in you, as you observe Jesus on trial.
 
 
Finally as this time of prayer comes to an end, do you find yourself able to surrender to Christ’s kingly rule over your life today? Ask Jesus to strengthen you…
 

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.