Gospel: November 23, 2025
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Psalter: Proper / (White)
Ps 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5
Let us go rejoicing in the house of the Lord.
1st Reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-3
All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “We are your bone and flesh. In the past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led Israel. And Yahweh said to you, ‘You shall be the shepherd of my people Israel and you shall be commander over Israel.’” Before Yahweh, king David made an agreement with the elders of Israel who came to him at Hebron, and they anointed him king of Israel.
2nd Reading: Colossians 1:12-20
Constantly give thanks to the Father, who has empowered us to receive our share in the inheritance of the saints, in his kingdom of light. He rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son. In him, we are redeemed and forgiven. He is the image of the unseen God, and for all creation, he is the firstborn, for, in him, all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible: thrones, rulers, authorities, powers… All was made through him and for him. He is before all and all things hold together, in him. And he is the head of the body, that is the Church, for he is the first, the first raised from the dead, that he may be the first in everything, for God was pleased to let fullness dwell in him. Through him, God willed to reconcile all things to himself, and through him, through his blood shed on the cross, God establishes peace, on earth as in heaven.
Gospel: Luke 23:35-43
The people stood by, watching. As for the rulers, they jeered at him, saying to one another, “Let the man who saved others now save himself, for he is the Messiah, the chosen one of God!” The soldiers also mocked him and, when they drew near to offer him bitter wine, they said, “So you are the King of the Jews? Save yourself!” Above Jesus there was an inscription in Greek, Latin and Hebrew, which read, “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals hanging with Jesus insulted him, “So you are the Messiah? Save yourself, and us as well!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Have you no fear of God, you who received the same sentence as he did? For us it is just: this is payment for what we have done. But this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “In truth I tell you, today, you will be with me today in paradise.”
Lectio Divina:
“The Son of God and King of all.”
Read: David is anointed King of Israel. Paul encourages us to give thanks for having a share in the communion of saints and in God’s kingdom of light. The title “King of the Jews” is above Jesus’ head as he hangs on the cross. The good thief recognizes Jesus as Savior and King.
Reflect: Christ is like no earthly king. The cross shows us the kind of king Jesus is. He cares enough to be rejected He is the king of love who cares enough to suffer and die for us. In the first reading the Israelites made David their king. What they expected of a king was that he would be like God. For them, that meant especially that the king should look after those who couldn’t look after themselves. That was the ideal. Now, in Jesus we see that ideal king made real, as Jesus, the Son of God and King of all, heals our helpless, broken humanity through his death on the cross. Through our baptism, Christ makes us part of his royal family and asks us to imitate his kingship by being his co-workers in charity.
Pray: Give thanks to Christ your King for his endless love.
Act: Join a procession for Christ the King today if there is one near you today.
