Solemnity of Christ the King

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Let me not forget

        You are near,

You bring comfort

        when I am weary,

and seek me out

        when I am lost.

Though I may not see you,

        YOU ARE THERE!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 34 :11-12,15-17

• How do you relate to God as a shepherd? 
• In what ways does God shelter you?  Tend to your needs?  Heal your wounds?
• Where do you see God ‘scattered among the sheep?’  What image(s) come to mind?

1Corinthians 15:20-26,28

• What does the phrase ‘destroy death’ mean in this scripture? 
• How did Jesus destroy death?  How do you or could you make this statement true in your life?
• How does this scripture reflect the changing seasons?  Make a list of parallels you see.

Matthew 25:31-46

• Imagine yourself in this scripture.  Where do you see yourself?  Reflect back over the past year and identify times when you were given opportunities to live out your faith; did you?
• How does this scripture make you feel?  What does it tell you about God?

General Questions for Journaling

• Where are you in proximity of God?  Have you scattered like the sheep? 
• Is there a safe distance to stay from God?  If yes, what is the distance?  It is the same for everyone?  If no, why not?
• How are you like a shepherd?  What does it look like?  Are you a leader?  Who do you lead?
• What qualities of a shepherd do you have?  Are there qualities you want to have?
• What are some evils which you fear?
• Can serious illness or death change your faith?  Explain.  Give examples.
• It is easy or difficult to see God in tragic events?  Why or why not?  What is the purpose of doing do?
• Do you have faith that God protects you and cares for you in this life and in the next?  What reassures you?  Be specific.
• Do you have areas in your life which need to be restored?  How do you go about doing this?
• How do you separate people?  What groups do you put them in?  What labels do you use?
• Can you relate better to a rich, smart leader or a poor, suffering one?  Which do you believe Jesus is?  Why did Jesus come as a shepherd and not a king?
• What is the difference between giving for reward and giving freely?  How does it affect the one giving?  How does it affect the one receiving?  Do you think God has a preference as long as you are giving?  Explain.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you care for me

ALL:  so I will care for others.

Leader:  Lord, you shelter me in a storm

ALL:  so I will provide shelter for others.

Leader:  Lord, you protect me from harm

ALL:  so I will be a stronghold for others.

Leader:  Lord, you show me mercy

ALL:  so I will me merciful to others.

Leader:  Lord, you teach me compassion

ALL:  so I will offer comfort to others.

Leader:  Lord you love me without limits

ALL:  so I will give love unconditionally to others.

ALL:  Lord, I long to do your will!

Challenge for the Week:  Sheep rely on their sense of smell to stay close to the flock.  Take time this week to think about what you rely on to stay close to God.  Are those whom you spend the most time faithful to their walk with Jesus?  Do they live out the Corporal Works of Mercy listed in the Gospel?  Are there people in your life whom you identify as goats mixed among the sheep?  When have you been deceived by a wolf in sheep’s clothing?  Do you identify yourself a sheep? Goat? Wolf?  Are there times when you’ve been all three?  What keeps you connected to the flock or are you the one who strays? 

***Next week begins the NEW YEAR in the Catholic Church.  It’s the perfect time to make some new year resolutions.