Lectio Divina for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
November 23, 2025
We begin our prayer:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty ever-living God,
whose will is to restore all things
in your beloved Son, the King of the universe,
grant, we pray,
that the whole creation, set free from slavery,
may render your majesty service
and ceaselessly proclaim your praise.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
(Collect, Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe)
Reading (Lectio)
Read the following Scripture two or thee times.
Luke 23:35-43
The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.” Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.”
Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Meditation (Meditatio)
After the reading, take some time to reflect in silence on one or more of the following questions:
- What word or words in this passage caught your attention?
- What in this passage comforted you?
- What in this passage challenged you?
If practicing lectio divina as a family or in a group, after the reflection time, invite the participants to share their responses.
Prayer (Oratio)
Read the Scripture passage one more time. Bring to the Lord the praise, petition, or thanksgiving that the Word inspires in you.
Contemplation (Contemplatio)
Read the Scripture again, followed by this reflection:
What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?
If you are King of the Jews, save yourself. When have I relied too much on myself and not enough on God? When have I placed the approval of others ahead of doing what is right?
Are you not the Christ? When have I allowed doubt to creep into my heart? What prayers and resources will help me trust in God more fully?
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. When have I felt forgotten by those I love? How can I keep my relationship with Jesus at the center of my life?
After a period of silent reflection and/or discussion, all recite the Lord’s Prayer and the following:
Closing Prayer
I rejoiced because they said to me,”
“We will go up to the house of the LORD.”
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
(From Psalm 122)
Living the Word This Week
Reach out to someone who feels forgotten and assure them of God’s love for them.
To learn more about the readings for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, watch the video below.
Excerpts from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright owner.
Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.