Next weekend, the end of the liturgical year coincides, as always, with our celebration of the solemnity of Christ the King. The Church soon begins the season of Advent, our time of preparation and waiting for the great feast of Christmas. 

With hearts of faith, as we celebrate the feast of Christ the King, we are led to reflect on Jesus as our king. Not a king of this world, but king of creation, of our hearts and lives. In faith, those who practise as Christians recognise Christ to be King and Saviour of all. 

During Advent, we will await the coming King, as a humble baby, and at Christmas we will celebrate not just the ‘child of Bethlehem’, but ‘the King of peace, gloriously reigning’. 

Jesus, Most merciful King, reign in our hearts,

Loving King who offers us your healing grace, reign in our hearts,

Forever King, foretold by the prophets, reign in our hearts,

All powerful King of heaven and earth, reign in our hearts,

Glorious King whose kingdom is not of this world, reign in our hearts,

Compassionate King who is the great I AM within us, reign in our hearts,

Eternal King who is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega, reign in our hearts. Amen.