Sunday 21 November 2021: Feast of Christ the King

Theme: Jesus, "Are you the king?" COLLECT Most High God, majestic and mighty, our beginning and our end: rule in our hearts and guide us to be faithful, worshipping the One who comes as Saviour and Sovereign; and who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen READING from 2 Samuel 23: 1-7 These are David's last words: 2 The spirit of the Lord speaks through me; his message is on my lips. 3 The God of Israel has spoken; the protector of Israel said to me: “The king who rules with justice, who rules in obedience to God, 4 is like the sun shining on a cloudless dawn, the sun that makes the grass sparkle after rain.” 5 And that is how God will bless my descendants, because he has made an eternal covenant with me, an agreement that will not be broken, a promise that will not be changed. That is all I desire; that will be my victory, and God will surely bring it about. 6 But godless people are like thorns that are thrown away; no one can touch them barehanded. 7 You must use an iron tool or a spear; they will be burned completely. THE GOSPEL according to John 18: 33-37 33 Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" 34 Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" 35 Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" 36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." 37 Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." PRAYER for COVID Lord of the ages, Covid still lingers on. We are protocol-focused and still grieving the losses of our beloveds. Some still resist the vaccine and variants continue to appear through mutation. Thank you for journeying with us with your healing presence and companionship, drawing us into compassionate community. Save us from our arrogance, so that we will soon be free from the oppression of this virus. Amen BENEDICTION Go out as faithful witnesses to the one who reigns forever. Look to Christ as your shepherd and your ruler, and listen for his voice. Clothe yourselves in righteousness and make every place a place to worship God. And the blessing of God almighty, our Creator, our Redeemer, our Life-giving Comforter. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage, to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.