On the Back Porch
Reading, pondering and studying God’s Word is sometimes best done “on the back porch.” Each week we will try to offer something for you and your “back porch time.”
34th Sunday, Year B – Christ the King
What We Celebrate
This Sunday is the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe and the 34th and final Sunday of Ordinary Time and lectionary cycle B. The gospel select might strike one as odd, in that the Sunday we celebrate Christ as King, we find Jesus on trial before Pontius Pilate. Then again, Pilate’s opening question is “Are you the King of the Jews?” What follows is a discussion about the meaning of the Kingdom of God and exactly what kind of “king” Jesus will be.
As always, a lot going on in the gospel reading. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and take a moment on the back porch with the Word of God.
Full Text of the Sunday Readings
Detailed Commentary
“Christ before Pilate” by Duccio di Buoninsegna | Museo dell’Opera metropolitana del Duomo, Siena | PD-US
Christ the King
In the two videos below, Bishop Robert Barron offers some thoughts on the meaning of Christ the King. The first video is a short 1.5 minute reflection. In the second video, Bishop Barron has an extended discussion about the meaning of Christ as King of the Universe. The second video starts several minutes into the film in order to begin with the pertinent content. Enjoy!