11.21 Christ the King

October 21, 2021

On the last Sunday of the liturgical year, Catholics celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. A relative newcomer to the Church calendar — established in the 20th century — this feast is designed to give special recognition to the dominion Christ our Lord has over all aspects of our lives.

Talking points for kids

Be sure to preview the readings for Mass. You can also remind kids about Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11). What kind of king rides the colt of a donkey? Not a warrior-king (who would ride a warhorse), but a humble ruler who brings mercy, forgiveness, and peace.

On the way to church (or afterward), tell your kids about the feast and ask them questions like these:

What is a king?
What do they do, and what are they like?
How is Jesus like a king?
How is Jesus different from ordinary human kings?

Christ the King vs. today’s superheroes

It’s important to explain to kids the meaning of the title “Christ the King” if for no other reason because it will help them connect the Old Testament and the Gospel, making the “big picture” of God’s plan of salvation clearer.

But most of today’s kids have an easier time relating to their superheroes than to the kings and queens of old. The current superhero craze has its downsides—in many ways, superheroes function as demigods for a secular culture that still yearns for God, even as it protests it’s “over” God.

Jesus and the Superheroes Game

Click above to download the game board. It contains a chart that your kids can complete to compare Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, to their favorite superheroes.
Have your kids pick their favorite superheroes. Have them draw the heroes logo in the circle.
Have your kids fill out the chart.
- In the first row, they should list the superhero’s alias (e.g., Jesus, Bruce Wayne, etc.).
- In the second row, they should list superpowers. What are Jesus’ “superpowers”? Some possibilities: Healing; forgiving; calming storms; multiplying loaves and fishes; etc. Where does he get these powers?
- In the third row, list the superhero’s nemeses (enemies). For Jesus, possibilities might include sin and death; you can debate whether the Pharisees and other religious leaders who put him to death were really enemies or not. What does Jesus say about our attitude toward enemies? How would “loving your enemy” change the story of some of the other superheroes listed? Do any of the superheroes listed practice love of enemy?
- In the fourth row, list “sidekicks” and close friends. For Jesus, these might include the twelve apostles, the women disciples who helped support him, and/or the saints and all the baptized faithful.
- In the fifth row, have the kids write down the superhero’s mission or motto. For Jesus’ mission, see Luke 4 and John 3, among other possible Scripture references.
If your kids use one of the blank columns to list themselves as an imaginary superhero, let them have fun naming their own mission, motto, name, and superpowers. Point out that they have certain “superpowers” they acquired through baptism.

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