OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST THE KING

     Earthly leaders have no strength to save us from the powers that threaten to destroy us. Only Jesus Christ can rescue us from the sins that keep us in the grip of darkness. He is not a king in the way we understand kings. He doesn’t subjugate people with military and political clout. He teaches us that God alone is our King, “robed in majesty,” standing firm forever. We must bow down before God’s throne and no other.
     Daniel envisions the suffering faithful, the “Son of Man,” as one day becoming a glorified people. Theirs is “an everlasting dominion,” a kingship that will not be destroyed. John writes to a people suffering persecution from the mighty Roman Empire. He reminds the suffering Church that they are baptized into Christ’s own death and resurrection. Jesus is the “first-born” from the dead, the supreme ruler of all the earth. As servant-king, Jesus humbly submits himself to God’s will to bring about a reign of love, justice, and peace. Those committed to truth will hear His voice.

Ministry & Liturgy/August 2003

Thanksgiving Day Blessing
Lord, we thank you
For the goodness of our people,
And for the spirit of justice
That fills this nation.
We thank you for the beauty
And fullness of the land,
And the challenge of the cities.
We thank you for our work
And our rest,
For one another,
And for our homes.
We thank you, Lord:
For all that we have spoken,
And for all that we keep
In our hearts,
Accept our thanksgiving
On this day.
We pray and give thanks
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Used by permission by
Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers.