PETITIONS
November 22, 2026
The Church
Governments and Salvation of the World
Those Burdened by Adversity
Local Parish / Faith Community
THE WORD
IN SONGS
THIS WEEK
November 22, 2026
ONE WORD
MANY CHARISMS
Sunday Lectionary Perspectives Across Religious Traditions
November 22, 2026
Jeff Cavins
Ascension Press (2017)
In this week's Encountering the Word video for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Jeff Cavins talks about the Christ that we meet in our everyday lives.
Archdiocese of Brisbane
34th Sunday of Year A
Archdiocese of Brisbane (2026)
Two-Minute Homily by Fr John Fowles gives a Two-Minute homily that focuses on serving the suffering and marginalized. By loving and caring for the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned, we honor Christ the King. When we turn faith into charitable action, it reveals Christ's kingdom.
Archdiocese of Brisbane (2023)
Two-Minute Homily by Fr John Fowles gives a Two-Minute homily that focuses on serving the suffering and marginalized. By loving and caring for the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned, we honor Christ the King. When we turn faith into charitable action, it reveals Christ's kingdom.
Fr. Aidan Rooney, C.M.
34th Sunday of Year A
St. John's University (2026)
Fr. Rooney CM urges us to turn inward during the season’s quiet, examine our own hopes and priorities, and transform that self‑reflection into concrete love for our neighbors—especially the vulnerable and marginalized—by turning personal faith into actionable service for all.
St. John's University (2023)
Fr. Rooney's CM core message is that Christ dwells among the poorest, calling us to humble service and worship of the lowly as we anticipate the upcoming liturgical year.
Catholic Women Preach
34th Sunday of Year A
Catholic Women Preach (2026)
Kerry Alys Robinson preaches for the Solemnity of Christ the King, offering a reflection on reading Matthew 25 anew in light of our times: "For Christians, serving others is non-negotiable. A Gospel mandate. Our calling. Let us resolve to evince genuine Christian love as we heed the mandate to feed, clothe, welcome, shelter, visit, and care for people in need."
Catholic Women Preach (2023)
Rosemary Johnston's nvites us to reflect on the end of the liturgical year and commit to new beginnings: "Perhaps situating this feast in its context of origin can provide a lens to situate ourselves as we end this liturgical year and ready ourselves for beginning again. How have we lived? How have we treated others? All living beings? How is it that we are still at war—within ourselves, between one another and among nations? How do we not hear the voice of the shepherd pointing the way to life? How can we continue to turn a blind eye to the needs of our sisters and brothers, near and far? How do we drift so far away from living as sheep who know they are loved and as followers of a king whose heart bursts for each one of us?"
Bishop James Golka
34th Sunday of Year A
Diocese of Colorado Springs (2023)
Bishop Golka's core message is that Christ the King, the loving shepherd‑king, calls us to restore communion with God by embodying His sacrificial love—protecting, serving, and forgiving others, especially the marginalized, as a living response to His resurrection and command to love God and neighbor.
Know Before You Go
34th Sunday of Year A
Coming Soon!
Dominican Friars (2026)
TBD
Dominican Friars (2023)
Fr. James Marchionda, OP breaks open the word for this great Solemnity, assuring us that God has invited us to participate in his work of bringing about the Reign of God. Our part, if we choose to accept it, it is care for the poor, feed the hungry, and serve those who are in need. Are you on board?
Dominican Friars (2023)
Fr. Brian Walker, OP opens up this Sunday's readings and the heart of this great feast, reminding us what it means to be a great leader.
1-Minute Homily
34th Sunday of Year A
The Jesuit Post (2023)
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. Ian Peoples, SJ, reflects on drawing close to the king who says, "Whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me."
Cardinal Luis Tagle
34th Sunday of Year A
Jescom TV (2023)
Cardinal Tagle reflects on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. We are concluding the liturgical year with this great feast, which reminds us that in the fullness of time God will reign inJesus, the King who is shepherd. While waiting for it, what are we supposed to do now, brothers and sisters? Jesus teaches us in today’s gospel: To the hungry and thirsty, give food and drink. Welcome the stranger. The naked and the ill, you will clothe and care for. Visit those in prison. Then he adds: “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.” The King wants us to be kind shepherds like Him.
SOLT Liturgy Prep
34th Sunday of Year A
SOLT (2023)
Fr. Peter Marsalek's core message is that we should gratefully acknowledge past blessings and fully let Jesus reign in our lives—embracing His sacrificial love, the Eucharist, and His kingdom’s message—by living as His ambassadors and allowing Him to be the true King within us.
The Word on the Word
34th Sunday of Year A
EWTN (2023)
Melissa and Veronica emphasize that Jesus will return to judge humanity—rewarding the compassionate “sheep” who inherit the kingdom and condemning the selfish “goats”—and urges viewers to practice both a corporal and a spiritual work of mercy this week.
Liturgy Notes
Courtesy of The Sunday Mass—2023 Cycle A
34th Sunday of Year A
- INTRODUCTION
- KYRIE
- PETITIONS
📌 8.5 x 11 Bulletin Insert
🥺 Invocations
Option 1: Based on the First Reading (Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17)
- Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd who seeks out the lost and gathers the scattered: Lord, have mercy.
- Christ Jesus, you bind up the injured and heal the sick: Christ, have mercy.
- Lord Jesus, you pasture your flock with perfect justice: Lord, have mercy.
Option 2: Based on the Second Reading (1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28)
- Lord Jesus, you are the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep, conquering sin and the grave: Lord, have mercy.
- Christ Jesus, you will destroy every enemy, even death itself: Christ, have mercy.
- Lord Jesus, you reign over all creation to hand over the eternal Kingdom to God the Father: Lord, have mercy.
Option 3: Based on the Gospel (Matthew 25:31-46)
- Lord Jesus, you invite us to recognize your face in the hungry and the thirsty: Lord, have mercy.
- Christ Jesus, you call us to welcome the stranger and clothe the naked: Christ, have mercy.
- Lord Jesus, you are the King of the Nations who will judge the world in truth and love: Lord, have mercy.
🙏 Presider's Introduction
Brothers and sisters, as we celebrate Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe, we are reminded that His reign is one of mercy, justice, and profound love for the least among us. With trust in our Sovereign King, we bring our needs and the needs of the world before the Father.
General Intercessions
- For the Church: That guided by Christ the Good Shepherd, she may tirelessly seek out the lost, bind up the injured, and be a beacon of healing and justice in a fractured world.We pray to the Lord.
- For the World and Government Leaders: That all who hold earthly authority may recognize that true power lies in service, ruling with compassion so that every enemy of peace—war, poverty, and division—may be destroyed under Christ’s reign.We pray to the Lord.
- For the Oppressed and Overburdened: That the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned may experience the tender care of God through the radical generosity and solidarity of those who follow Christ.We pray to the Lord.
- For our Parish Community: That we may never fail to see the face of our King in the "least of our brothers and sisters," and that our daily lives may bear the fruit of the corporal works of mercy, preparing us to inherit the kingdom prepared for us from the foundation of the world.We pray to the Lord.
Concluding Prayer
Almighty and eternal God, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of the universe: hear the prayers we offer you this day. Grant that the whole of creation, set free from slavery, may render your majesty service and ceaselessly proclaim your praise. Through Christ our Lord.All: Amen.
34th Sunday of Year A
BULLETIN BLURB: This weekend, we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, marking the joyful conclusion of the liturgical year. In Year A, the Gospel of Matthew reveals a King unlike any earthly ruler. Jesus reigns not from a throne of worldly wealth, but as a compassionate shepherd and a just judge. He reminds us that our ultimate measure will be based on a single, profound standard: how we treat the "least of these." As we honor Christ’s supreme kingship, we are challenged to recognize His royal face in the hungry, the stranger, and the vulnerable, building His kingdom through radical acts of love and mercy.
34th Sunday of Year A
Evaluating Inclusivity and Training
Today’s Gospel passage is well-known and led to our common use of the word talent to mean a special ability. In biblical times, a talent was a measure of weight as well as a unit of value equivalent to that weight of a precious metal. So, the parable is really about investing money, but it led to using the word to mean ability.
Planners might focus more on that adapted use of the term than on investment issues. The Lectionary seems to do this, as well. Note that the first reading speaks of the abilities of a good wife, not of money or investing. While some modern feminists might quibble today with the abilities it highlights, the passage points us toward considering the abilities we need for the celebration of the liturgy.
Planners might discuss together the various liturgical ministries currently employed in the parish worship. With each, consider how well the ministry is being fulfilled, what problems may have arisen with that ministry, what kind of training is offered to those entering the ministry, what continuing formation is offered, and whether enough people have stepped forward (or been invited) to serve in the ministry. You might also review the list of people involved to see if it is really representative of the wider parish community. Are various ethnic groups included? Are young people invited to share the ministry? Are those with various disabilities enabled to serve according to their abilities?
34th Sunday of Year A
The Solemnity of Christ the King poses a challenge each year involving how we understand kingship in relation to Christ, who refused to be called a king during his earthly life. Today’s first reading and Gospel seem to focus our attention this year on Christ as our judge. The first reading ends with these words: “I will judge between one sheep and another, between rams and goats.” The Gospel depicts the risen Christ as our judge at the end of time.
The image of judge, however, is tempered somewhat by the fact that both readings depict the judge as a shepherd, too. Shepherds care for the sheep, so the image of the judge is not one focused primarily on condemnation. Certainly, the point of proclaiming both readings is to urge us to live so that we will be recognized as faithful sheep ready for the glory of the kingdom.
Full Series: Cycle A Resources
OCP Music—Entrance
Response & Acclaim
OCP Music—Responsorial
Presentation & Preparation
OCP Music—Presentation
34th Sunday of Year A
Communion
OCP Music—Communion
34th Sunday of Year A
Sending Forth
OCP Music—Sending Forth
34th Sunday of Year A
We Will Follow (Dan Brennan, Ken Canedo, Jesse Manibusan)
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
2026 video courtesy of Lector with Lisa
1st Reading—Delivery Blueprint
Pacing Theme: Steady, deliberate, and fiercely reassuring. Deliver this as a determined rescue mission from a God who is taking back control.
Core Concept: This is prophetic caring. God is stepping in because the previous human shepherds failed and trampled the weak. This is not a soft pastoral poem; it is a muscular promise of provision, rest, and strict justice.
Vocal Emotional Profile: Strong, determined, and intensely caring. Project the voice of a fierce protector—think of how you have felt when God was your personal stronghold and safety.
Text Segment | Vocal Tone | Pacing & Ambo Actions |
"A reading from the book of the prophet Ezekiel." | Clear and grounded. | Pause after this introduction to let the assembly settle before launching into the prophecy. |
"Thus says the Lord God:" | Strong and prophetic. | Speak this as a firm declaration of authority. |
"I myself will look after and tend my sheep." | Strong, direct, and promising. | Make your best, most direct eye contact. This is an unshakable guarantee to those who feel lost. |
"As a shepherd tends his flock when he finds himself among his scattered sheep, so will I tend my sheep." | Deeply reassuring. | Maintain strong eye contact. You are speaking a promise of safety to the assembly. |
"I will rescue them from every place where they were scattered when it was cloudy and dark." | Empathetic but unwavering. | Connect emotionally with those in the pews experiencing confusion, depression, or loss. |
"I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest, says the Lord God." | Intensely caring and determined. | Lean into the "I myself." Let your voice convey: I'm going to do this correctly. |
"The lost I will seek out," | Gentle strength. | Look to one side of the church. Pause after "lost." |
"the stray I will bring back," | Gentle strength. | Look to the other side of the church. Pause after "stray." |
"the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal," | Compassionate and soothing. | Continue alternating eye contact left and right. |
"but the sleek and the strong I will destroy, shepherding them rightly." | Firm, authoritative, justice-driven. | Shift your tone completely. This is a judgment against those who trampled the weak. |
"As for you, my sheep, says the Lord God, I will judge between one sheep and another, between rams and goats." | Measured and final. | Slow down. This builds the bridge directly into today's Gospel. |
"The word of the Lord." | Resolute and promising. | Take a long pause before saying this. Deliver it with the same strength you used for God's promises. |
Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17
Greg Warnusz
Proclaiming It: Note that the prophet speaks in God's voice, in the first person, and use your own tone of voice to express his feelings about the situation. When God says I will do this, the unspoken meaning is because you bad shepherds will not. So emphasize all the occurrences of I and speak with the vehemence of prophetic outrage, especially in the early sentences.
On the other hand, the passage has a great tenderness in its concern for the people who have suffered from bad leadership. In the latter sentences, where God promises to bring back strays and heal the sick, express that tenderness, too.
Our Liturgical Setting: As usual, the first reading prepares us to hear the day's gospel. The link to the gospel is the reference to sheep and goats in the last sentence. Today's gospel is the famous last judgment scene from Matthew 25. Since this Sunday concludes the liturgical year, it's the last passage from Matthew that we'll hear for a while.
2026 video courtesy of Lector with Lisa
2nd Reading—Delivery Blueprint
Pacing Theme: Triumphant, methodical, and declarative. Build from immediate, bold proclamation to a slow, awe-struck climax. Core
Concept: This is the Theology of Christ the King, not a soft narrative. The assembly may expect a gentle "love chapter" from Corinthians, but this is a powerful statement of faith, joy, and ultimate cosmic order. Vocal
Emotional Profile: Confident, joyful strength transitioning into profound reverence. Claim the promises as undeniable truths.
Text Segment | Vocal Tone | Pacing & Ambo Actions |
"Brothers and sisters: Christ has been raised from the dead," | Strong, joyful, and pumping with faith. | Stand tall. Look directly at the assembly and deliver with immediate, bold energy. |
"the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." | Confident and declarative. | Brief pause before continuing the joyful proclamation. |
"For since death came through man," | Explanatory but firm. | Shift eye contact to one side of the church. |
"the resurrection of the dead came also through man." | Triumphant. | Shift eye contact to the opposite side of the church. |
"For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life," | Balanced, contrasting. | Maintain alternating eye contact to highlight the contrast between Adam and Christ. |
"but each one in proper order:" | Shift to a distinct, instructive tone ("Let's get that straight"). | Pause slightly before this phrase to signal a shift in thought. |
"Christ the firstfruits;" | List-making voice; clear and structured. | Short pause after "Christ." Make eye contact to emphasize the first item. |
"then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ;" | Building anticipation. | Continue the vocal list, keeping the assembly engaged. |
"then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father," | Majestic and authoritative. | Deepen the voice slightly to convey the weight of Christ's kingship. |
"when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power." | Unyielding strength. | Emphasize "every" to highlight absolute victory. |
"For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death." | Conquering and victorious. | Speak with absolute conviction. Pause after "feet." |
"When everything is subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to the one who subjected everything to him," | Awe-struck and measured. | Take this slowly. Visualize the cosmic loop between the Son and the Father. |
"so that God may be all in all." | Deeply reverent, claiming the ultimate promise. | Speak slowly and profoundly. Hold a long pause after the final word. |
"The word of the Lord." | As strong and confident as the preceding claims. | Do not drop your energy; deliver this as a final seal of faith. |
1 Cor 15:20-26, 28
Greg Warnusz
Proclaiming It: The lector should find this more than a bit intimidating. The second half of this passage deserves the most solemn, dignified proclamation you can muster. I don't like the punctuation supplied by the translators in this part of the passage:
then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ;
then comes the end, ...
That second clause marks a new logical section, and deserves a pause before you start it. Slow down your reading dramatically here. You're describing the climax of all, not just human, history.
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