Praying with Sunday's Scriptures

Editor's note: To help small faith-sharing groups, couples, individuals and others continue the Renew 2000 experience of praying with the Sunday Scriptures, a Diocesan Faith Sharing Team has prepared a series using the Renew model.

	Nov. 23, 2003 -- Christ the King Reading I: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 Reading II: Revelations 1:4b-8 Gospel: John 18:33-37

By Terri Brehm-Gruber

Focus: Glory, Hosanna to Christ the King

Opening Prayer:
Leader: You created the heavens and the earth and all they contain.
All: Blessed are you, O Lord our King.
Leader: Make us your people, a credible sign of your power and your majesty.
All: Blessed are you, O Lord our King.

Scripture Sharing: On this Sunday the greatest of reverence is paid to our Lord. Daniel says his kingship shall not be destroyed. Revelation says He has made us into a kingdom and even Pilate senses his royalty. Did any line or image strike you today as you heard these words?

Reflection: Christ, a King? There's not much in the title "King" that impresses Americans. Didn't we fight a war to be rid of kings forever? We applauded George Washington when he refused the title of King. What kind of king is this who was born in a stable and rules from a cross? Is there something in this Jesus that we recognize as majestic? Daniel predicts from ancient times. John says he is the faithful witness to whom glory and power remains forever. Even Pilate sensed his majesty. Where in our own souls do we sense what Jesus' kingship truly means to us?

Faith Sharing

1. How can we as independent Americans live our lives honoring Christ the King?

2. How is our gratitude to Christ as redeemer magnified in this feast?

3. Which of these Scripture readings brings you closer to Christ the King?

Action Response: How do you live stewardship as your way of life?

1. In what ways can we, as Christ's most loved subjects, transmit to just one person this week our gratitude for being in the Kingdom of God?

2. Christ as King lived such total humility. Extend a special act of kindness to someone this week who is truly humiliated by sickness, poverty, incarceration or homelessness.

Closing Prayer (Individuals offer their intentions to bring to prayer.)

"Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven." Thank you, Lord, for inviting us into your kingdom and showing us the way. By this celebration may your spirit fill us with the light of faith that will lead us to your kingdom. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

(Brehm-Gruber is a member of the Diocesan Writing Team for Faith Sharing Sessions, 2003.)