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SCRIPTURE STUDY

Click above to access reflection & discussion questions (PDF)

Solemnity of Christ the King (Year C)

1. In the Gospel Reading, what attitudes and motives do you see in the crowd following Jesus’ way of the cross? In the rulers? The criminals? The soldiers? The sign maker (verse 38; John 19:19-22)? In Jesus?
2. How do you view Jesus’ death on the cross? Necessary evil? Cruel and unusual punishment? Sacrifice for sin? Triumph over injustice? Why?
3. When did the meaning of the death of Christ on the cross begin to make sense to you? How would you explain it to a non-Christian friend?
4. Who in this reading do you identify with most? With least? Why?
5. How do people today similarly reflect the profound misunderstanding expressed in verse 35?
6. How do you acknowledge in your life that Christ is King?

SOURCE: Sunday Scripture Study for Catholics © 2010 Vince Contreras

RCIA SEEKERS

Team RCIA Questions

Michael Marchall

Solemnity of Christ the King (Year C)

BACKGROUND: More than a thousand years of Christianity had passed before the portrayal of Jesus on the cross showed him as dead. Luke’s Passion narrative, like John’s, portrays him as achieving victory through his shame, suffering, and death. Today we read about how this man who had shown transforming mercy to so many weak and sinful people can now look at another sinner who admits that he deserves this kind of death that, because of his faith, this very day he will know Christ’s kingdom, a true paradise. And, as St. Paul assures us today, the same liberation is already ours.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. When have you experienced physical, mental, or emotional healing? Who was God’s instrument in setting you free?
2. How did you show your gratitude? Looking back, would you do anything differently?
3. Avoiding the risk of being self-righteous, for whom in your life might you be God’s instrument of healing?
4. How can you bring healing to your world by standing up for people who are being stereotyped—and thereby set everybody free?

SOURCE: TEAM RCIA

ACCORDING TO POPE FRANCIS…

Jesus Revealed Himself as Mercy

Anne Osdieck

Solemnity of Christ the King (Year C)

According to Pope Francis, from the beginning of his life to his last act, Jesus revealed himself as Mercy. What does that mean to you? What does his assurance to the good thief confirm?

The good thief finally addresses Jesus directly, invoking his help: “Jesus, remember me … “ There is so much tenderness in this expression, so much humanity! It is the need of the human being not to be forsaken; that God may be always near.

On the Cross, [Jesus’] last act confirms the fulfillment of this plan of salvation. From beginning to end, he revealed himself as Mercy, he revealed himself as the definitive and unrepeatable incarnation of the Father’s love. Jesus is truly the face of the Father’s mercy. And the good thief called him by name: “Jesus.” It is a short invocation, and we can all make it several times during the day: “Jesus.” Simply, “Jesus.” Let us do so throughout the day.

General Audience of September 28, 2016

MORE QUESTIONS

SOURCE: Sunday Web Site – Saint Louis University

CATHOLIC DOCTRINE

Christ the King

Solemnity of Christ the King (Year C)

The image of Christ the King that we find in today’s Gospel challenges our ideas of what a king or ruler should be. Jesus is not seated on a luxurious throne surrounded by people who await his command. Instead, the king in the gospel scene is mocked and left to die on a cross.

We could say that the cross is the throne of Christ the king, because by the power of his love Jesus conquered death. By his cross and resurrection Jesus Christ has brought about the salvation of all people. Jesus is ruler of all and everything and everyone are subject to the power of his saving love and goodness.

• What are some qualities of a good ruler or king?
• How does Jesus rule?
• How does Jesus show the power of his love?

SOURCE: RCL Benziger — YEAR A | YEAR B | YEAR C

Solemnity of Christ the King (Year C)

FAITH SHARING

Ascension Catholic

Fr. Eamon Tobin

Solemnity of Christ the King (Year C)

1. Turn to the person next to you and share what word/s or image/s in the readings caught your attention? Did they comfort or challenge you or touch you in some way? The facilitator can decide which is more helpful: to share the next questions with the whole group, or to share in smaller groups of three or four.

2. In the first reading today, David is imaged as a shepherd-king. In your lifetime, who has been your favorite and most inspiring religious or political leader?

3. One commentator called the people sneering at Jesus in today’s Gospel “vinegar people.” In what ways might we prevent “vinegar or toxic people” from infecting us? How might we free ourselves from any toxic tendencies we may have?

4. Today’s Gospel features a criminal who “steals” heaven with one act of sincere repentance. How do you feel about that?

5. As we draw to the end of another liturgical year, can you name a spiritual blessing received this past year that you are most grateful for?

6. Name one thing today’s Gospel says to us that we disciples of Jesus need to heed and act on.

STUDY GUIDE (PDF)

SOURCE: Ascension Catholic

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