Almighty ever-living God, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of the universe, grant, we pray, that the whole creation, set free from slavery, may render your majesty service and ceaselessly proclaim your praise.  Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Collect from today’s Mass

Even if you don’t typically do your Family Formation lesson on Sundays, this may be a good time to make an exception.  The Solemnity of Christ the King is the big, triumphant celebration at the end of the liturgical year.  The Mass readings proclaim the extremes of the mystery of Christ’s life; both His majesty and the inscription on the cross at His most humiliating moment, and both remind us of the depth of His greatness.

This is a day to celebrate!  Peek ahead to pages 6 and 7 of this week’s Home Lesson for some ideas on celebrating in your family, but remember that you don’t have to equate “celebration” with “elaborate.”  Even if you have frozen pizza planned for lunch, you can set the table with a tablecloth and real dishes.  You can light a candle and leave the television off for awhile.

You can end your celebration with this traditional prayer to Christ the King, or make up one of your own.

O Lord Jesus Christ, I acknowledge You as King of the Universe.  All that has been created has been made for You.  Exercise upon me all Your rights. I renew my baptismal promises, renouncing Satan and all his works.  I promise to live a good Christian life and to do all in my power to procure the triumph of the rights of God and Your Church. Divine Heart of Jesus, I offer You my poor actions in order to obtain that all hearts may acknowledge Your sacred Royalty, and that the reign of Your peace may be established throughout the universe. Amen. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…