Solemnity of Christ the King

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Let me not forget

You are in my midst.

You bring comfort

when I am weary,

and seek me out

when I am lost.

Though I may not see you

YOU ARE THERE!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17

• Where are you in proximity of the Shepherd? Have you scattered?  Do you need to be healed?
• Is there a safe distance to stray from God? If yes, what is the distance?  Is it the same for everyone?  If no?  Why?

 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28

• Do your words and actions reflect your faith in God to protect you and take care of you in this life and the next?
• Reflect on how this scripture reflects the changing of the seasons. Make a list of parallels you see.

 Matthew 25:31-46

• If you love God and love your neighbor, how are you like the sheep? Be specific.
• Do you believe God looks at people as the “least” or the “greatest”? How does this scripture give you evidence to confirm AND deny this statement.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What does it mean to tend to something? What was the last thing you tended to?
• When it is dark and cloudy, how do you find your way? How does this metaphor apply to your faith?
• Can you be lost and not know it?
• Is there someone in your life whom is like a shepherd?
• How are you or can you be like a shepherd to others? What does this look like?
• What are some of the evils of the world which you fear?
• Where do you see God in tragic events? Is it difficult or easy?  Why?
• What things do you see in the world which tears people apart? Can you make a list of at least 10 things?
• Are you responsible for bringing strife into a relationship? If so, what can give you a change of heart?
• What is your view of death? Be specific.
• How do you separate people? What groups do you put them in?  What labels do you use?
• Can you relate better to a smart and rich leader or a poor and suffering one? Which one do you believe Jesus is?  In which category do you place people in authority today?
• Is there a difference between giving for reward and giving freely? Can you tell the difference in yourself?  In others?  Do you think God cares?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you care for me

 ALL:  so I may care for others.

Leader:  Lord, you shelter me in a storm

ALL:  so I may provide shelter for others.

Leader:  Lord, you protect me from harm

 ALL:  so I can be a stronghold for others.

Leader:  Lord, you show me mercy

ALL:  so I will be merciful to others.

Leader:  Lord, you teach me compassion

ALL:  so I can offer comfort to others.

Leader:  Lord, you love me without limits

ALL:   so I will give love unconditionally to others.

 

Challenge for the Week:  When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?  Was it a similar profession as one of your parents?  Did you learn about it from TV or from a book?  What were the characteristics of the job which you were drawn to?  In Jesus’ time, and for many years before and after, you were born in to a family where your future job was already chosen for you. It didn’t really matter if you had the right demeanor or characteristics to do the job well, you just did it.  However, specific jobs require specific skills in order for the person to be good at their job.  A shepherd for example needs to be strong and have stamina to be able to keep the sheep from straying; they must be observant and be able to be both stern and tender depending on the need of the sheep.  This week, spend time reflecting on what qualities you bring to the profession you chose and how you benefit others because of what you give.  Each day, you are given the opportunity to be a shepherd to someone, go and use your gifts to serve others and to serve God!