A Different Kind of King

Today's celebration of The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, presents us not with the usual authoritarian monarch, but with a shepherd who is engaged in compassionat service to the poor, the naked, the hungry, prisoners, etc, as we read in Matthew 25: 31-46.  He calls his followers to the same kind of compassion and reminds us all that when we treat or mistreat others, we treat oor mistreat him. He is not your ordinary king, nor is this an ordinary kingdom.  It is built on love and service to one another, not on fear and neglect of the rights and dignity of others.  As such, it is not a popular approach to "governance" and often finds itself at odds with the prevailing attitudes toward power, even to the point of persecution.
The Knights of Columbus are focusing this week on praying for these persecuted Christians and invite us to join them.
Bro. Rene

Prayer for Persecuted Christians

O God of all the nations,
the One God who is and was and always will be,
in your providence you willed that your Church
be united to the suffering of your Son.
Look with mercy on your servants
who are persecuted for their faith in you.
Grant them perseverance and courage
to be worthy imitators of Christ.
Bring your wisdom upon leaders of nations
to work for peace among all peoples.
May your Spirit open conversion
for those who contradict your will,
that we may live in harmony.
Give us the grace to be united in truth and freedom,
and to always seek your will in our lives.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us!