A PRAYER FOR CHRIST THE KING

By Brother Patrick

As a young graduate student in the early 1990s at the Catholic University of America, I was just beginning to appreciate the depth and beauty of our shared faith. As Advent approached during my first semester at the university, I began attending Daily Mass in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. But I had not yet ventured upstairs into the main church. So, I was understandably stunned to set eyes on the awesome mosaic of Christ in Majesty that looms over the sanctuary.

Some people love this image. But for some others, Jesus seems angry, almost threatening. Nothing could be further from the truth. Christ’s eyes are bright blue and symbolize the glory of heaven. His clothing is fiery red and represents his martyrdom on the Cross for the sake of our salvation. His arms are outstretched as he invites us to meditate on the sacred wounds of his crucifixion. Although a work of modern art, this image of Christ in Majesty is consistent with the earliest depictions of Jesus that can be found in ancient Roman catacombs.

As we commemorate the Solemnity of Christ the King and prepare for the Holy Seasons of Advent and Christmas, this breathtaking mosaic reminds us that Christ is both king of the universe and humble servant of God. As the Poor Christ, Jesus embraces his mission, his vocation, and ultimately his cross. Through these acts of extreme humility, God raises Jesus from death, exalts him among the angels, glorifies him in the heavens, and entrusts him with an everlasting kingship.

The mosaic of Christ in Majesty covers more than 3,600 square feet and contains more than 3 million tiles. But it is not just a magnificent work of art. It is an instrument of evangelization. In a culture proclaiming that individual desire, ambition, and self-interest are the highest values, this image reminds us that we are mere mortals, little children of the Most High Creator God. It reminds us that humility, the virtue of having a modest view of one’s own importance, is at the heart of our Christian vocation and the foundation of the Gospel Life.

Finally, the imposing image of Christ in Majesty is a call to prayer and reflection. It calls us to think deeply about Saint Paul’s admonition to the Philippians (2:9-11): “God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every other name, so that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bend in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father!” And so, in this spirit, we pray:

A Prayer for Christ the King

Lord Jesus,
you are priest,
you are prophet,
you are king.

You are our priest,
the shepherd of our souls.
By your sacrifice, you feed us.
With your hands, you lead us.
Within your arms, you comfort us.

Lord Jesus,
you are our prophet,
the teacher of all that is good,
true, and beautiful.

By your passion, you save us.
With your blood, you redeem us.
Beneath your holy cross, you call us
to prayer, fellowship, and service.

Lord Jesus,
you are our king,
the servant of all God’s Children.

By your surrender,
you vindicate our broken lives.
With your word,
you sanctify our sinful world.
Through your resurrection,
you deliver us from death.

Lord Jesus,
by your grace, show us the way to faith.
Teach us how to hope.
Lead us us forth in love
for all people, for all time.

You are our God and Savior,
our friend and brother,
our all good and crucified King.
You are the Christ,
for ever and ever. Amen.

Glory to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us! Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us! Our Lady of the Angels, pray for us!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brother Patrick Garvey is a co-founder of the Assisi Project. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine, Saint John Seminary, and the Catholic University of America. He is a writer, spiritual director, retreat leader, and university lecturer. He also serves as Associate Minister of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport in Massachusetts. In 2023, on the Feast of the Transitus of Saint Francis of Assisi, Brother Patrick was consecrated as a diocesan hermit by Bishop Mark O’Connell, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Boston. For more information about the Assisi Project and our programs and ministries for adults of all ages and backgrounds, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@assisiproject.com.

Art Credit: Julie Feinstein – Image 45769840 – Dreamstime.com

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ABOUT US

Founded in 2007, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit with friends and followers throughout the world. We are dedicated to helping Christian believers of all ages more faithfully live the Gospel of Christ in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi. The Assisi Project is a non-profit, tax exempt charitable organization. All are welcome to support our ministry via Pay Pal (see link below) or by mailing a tax-deductible donation to the Assisi Project, Post Office Box 3158, Gloucester, Massachusetts 01931-3158. The Assisi Project Podcast is Produced by the Assisi Project, Inc. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. May the Lord give you peace!

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