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Presider’s Page for 23 November (Christ the King)

Opening Comment
Today we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. At the end of time, this king will come in glory to judge the living and the dead. He will ask how we treated the hungry and thirsty, the stranger, the naked, those sick or in prison, promising a great reward to those who show love.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Almighty God,
you have conferred upon Christ Jesus
sovereignty over every age and nation.
Direct us, in the love of Christ,
to care for the least of his brothers and sisters,
that we may be subject to his dominion
and receive the inheritance of your kingdom.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.

Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17 — Our king is like a shepherd who minds all the sheep, particularly those in special need.
1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28 — As king, Christ has conquered all, even death itself.
Matthew 25:31-36 — Our king will reward those who look after people in need.

BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Let us present our prayers to God, the shepherd who cares for all the flock:

  1. For those in leadership roles in the Church, that they may show the kindness of the Good Shepherd (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  2. For leaders of governments, that they may work for justice and truth (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  3. For those who visit us as strangers, that we may give a warm welcome to refugees and immigrants (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  4. For our brothers and sisters in prison, that we may support them and their families (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  5. For those suffering because of the Ebola Virus in West Africa, that they have the care they need (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us
  6. For the people we love — particularly those in need of support at this time (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead: For those who have passed beyond this world (especially N and N), that they may dwell in the Lord’s house for ever (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) Loving God, caring shepherd, you look after your people at every moment of their lives: hear the prayers we make, in trust and faith, through Christ our Lord. Amen

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions): ‘Hail Redeemer’; ‘Holy God We Praise Thy Name’; ‘Praise My Soul The King of Heaven’; ‘O Praise Ye The Lord’.

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Birth of St John the Baptist — Bidding prayers etc

Liturgy, Presider's Page
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Just three birthdays are celebrated by the Church in the Liturgy each year – that of Jesus at the winter solstice, his mother’s on 8th September and that of his cousin John the Baptist near midsummer’s day. John’s birthday comes just after the longest day of the year, when the light begins to decline — just as Jesus’ birthday is after the shortest day, when days begin to lengthen. The placing of these two feasts summarises John the Baptist’s mission: ‘I must decrease, he must increase.’

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