Feast of Christ the King Sunday November 20th 2016

Feast of Christ the King Christ the King Sunday celebrates Christ as King and Lord of the cosmos. This Feast Day is celebrated on the final Sunday of Ordinary Time, the final Sunday before Advent begins and this year it falls on November 20.

Christ the King Christ's kingship is one of humility and service. Jesus said: ‘Whoever wishes to become great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the servant of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many…’ Mark 10:42-45

Christ the King Jesus knew the oppressive nature of secular kings, and in contrast to them, he connected his role as king to humble service, and commanded his followers to answer the call to serve also.

Christ the King Jesus, Christ the king whose presence we celebrate is not revered for royalty with wealth and power as we associate with kingship in the secular world. On this feast day, we celebrate his dedication to justice and peace, to the causes of the poor, the abandoned. He does not wear a crown, nor is he clothed in finery. He wishes to be remembered as servant and he continues to invite all of us to imitate him in this servanthood.

Intercessions The response is: Hear our prayer. Gathered as the family of God we place our prayers before You O Lord: We pray that the Church of Christ the Universal King will continue to grow. We ask you Lord to watch over it and protect it. Grant our Holy Father Pope Francis, our Bishops and our priests the courage to faithfully proclaim your Gospel. Response: Hear our prayer.

Intercessions Father ,we pray for peace today in all the troubled parts of the world, may peace and justice once more flourish and hatred and war be no more. Response: Hear our prayer For all who suffer illness of any kind - in mind, body or soul, that the Lord will place his healing hand upon them and restore them to the fullness of health.

Intercessions In this month of November, we remember our loved ones already gone to God. Lord, grant them eternal peace and welcome them into your heavenly Kingdom. Response: Hear our prayer

Concluding Prayer Eternal God, you rule your Kingdom with mercy, compassion and love. Hear the prayers of your family who are gathered here before you. Grant what we need to live as worthy members of your kingdom. We unite these with the unspoken prayers of our hearts as we pray together : Our Father…