LITURGY IN FOCUS

CALL TO WORSHIP & CENTERING PRAYERS

Call to worship

At the end of the liturgical year, the church celebrates the Kingship of Jesus. Today’s scriptures offer three visions: at the end of time Jesus will come as a healing shepherd, a judge who brings justice and a brother who draws us close. Today’s solemn feast reminds us that God’s love is at the heart of human history and at the heart of the universe itself.

Centering prayers

The Gospel
(Matthew 25:31-46)

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink.

O Jesus, King of Creation,
you came from glory,
to the rough roads of Galilee;
you took a crown of sharp thorns,
and received a killing cross for your throne

You put on poverty, to be like us,
so that we might be holy like you are holy.

So let us care for your creation that is ill,
welcome the stranger, visit him in prison,
feed her and clothe her, and slake
your deepest thirst.

The First Reading
(Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17)

I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest, says the Lord.

The sky is dark. We are frightened, scattered.
Come rescue us, shepherd king.
Find us lost,and bring us home.
We are wounded from virus and discord.
And our planet, so wounded.
Bind all our wounds. And, Lord,
let us act the way you act;
let us bind the wounds of others.

The Second Reading
(1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28)

For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

Christ, do not let death – lurking,
behind some attractive veil – be our all in all!

Anne M. Osdieck. All rights reserved.

Music for reflection

Music for the Royal Fireworks

Christus Vincit, Christus Regnat, Christus Imperat
(Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands)

Christus Vincit

Laudate Dominum

La Rejouissance

Trumpet Voluntary

Christ the King

You Raise Me Up