The following are homilies, images and other digital resources you might find useful for your celebration of the Solemnity of Christ the King. This liturgical celebration was instituted by Pope Pius XI on 11 December 1925. The feast of Christ the King concludes the Catholic Church’s liturgical year. This year it falls on November 22, 2009.

READINGS

FIRST READING: Dn 7:13-14
PSALM: Ps 93:1, 1-2, 5
SECOND READING: Rv 1:5-8
GOSPEL: Jn 18:33b-37

HOMILIES

• Truth on Trial [www.bible.claret.org]
  Today, we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. In the Gospel we read the fascinating story of the trial of Jesus by Pilate. It is indeed the story of the trial of truth. It is the story of a throng moved to blindness by passion. Amongst the throng there is one who stands out as having the greatness to recognize the stature and the innocence of Jesus. This is Pilate. Read more…
• “Jesus answered, “My kingship is not of this world” [www.rc.net]
  Do you recognize Jesus’ sovereignty over heaven and earth? Jesus was crucified for his claim to be the Messianic King who would rule not only over his people Israel but ultimately over all the nations as well. What is the significance or meaning of Jesus’ kingship for us? Read more…
• The Solemnity of Christ the King: Commitment to the King [www.st.ignatius.net]
  Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, the conclusion of the Church year. This is a feast rich in theology and spirituality. The first reading from Daniel focuses in on the witnesses to the Kingdom. The Gospel reading from John presents the Kingdom of Truth. Read more…
• Feast of Christ the King [www.saintvincentarchabbey.org]
  The choice of this text from John’s gospel could not be more appropriate for the feast of Christ the King. It is taken from the Passion Narrative and is part of the exchange between Pilate and Jesus during his trial before the Roman Procurator. This trial scene is particularly important for John and he devotes no less than twenty-nine verses to it. In fact, this scene reveals John’s concept of the central issue in the life and ministry of Jesus. Read more…

IMAGES

To view and download their full size versions, please click on the images or the names of the artists.

PRESENTATION

The multimedia presentation below presents the history and meaning of the Solemnity of Christ the King. Please take note that the presentation contains audio. You can download it here.

VIDEO

The following video presents how Jesus is depicted by different artists across history. Although each artist presents Jesus differently, one thing remains the same – that Jesus is Love and His life, death and resurrection is the realization of His love for us.