Dear Parishioners and Friends:
Pope Pius XI instituted the Feast of Christ the King in 1925 in response to growing nationalism and secularism. At that time the Christian world was witnessing the rise of dictatorships in Europe and oppressive attitudes of the states toward the Church and the people. Instead of the humble, caring, and loving presence of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Servant, world dictators and destructive ideologies “enthroned” themselves within the human minds and hearts. These days, there are numerous other “dictators” manipulating and controlling our daily living. Some of them are obvious, others are insidious and cleverly camouflaged. Like robots, we can stare for hours into our “smart phones,” while no longer knowing how to interact even with our family and friends. Perhaps out of fear or ignorance, we willingly choose some of these dictatorial controllers in media, politics, and big pharma – as we enthrone them and bow before their lies and misinformation. Our Lord Jesus wants us to truly know ourselves as God’s children and to be spiritually awakened – and not to succumb and be enslaved by the insidious and oppressive “virtual realities.”
The initial title of the feast was: Our Lord Jesus Christ the King, and it was celebrated annually on the last Sunday of October. In 1969, Pope Paul VI gave the Feast a new title: Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, and it was to be celebrated on the last Sunday of the Liturgical Year. He also assigned to it the highest rank, that of Solemnity. Some people struggle with the titles of “Lord” and “King” for Jesus Christ because they remind them of oppressive rulers and dictatorial systems. The truth is, the kingship of Jesus is one of humility, love and service. “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them. But it shall not be so among you. Whoever wishes to be first among you will be your servant. For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10: 42-45).
Pius XI hoped the institution of the Feast would have transforming effects on the nations and the leaders who would recognize and accept the fundamental principles of the Gospel, and the right of the Church to freedom and immunity from the state. He prayed that the faithful would gain strength and courage from this great celebration, as he reminded the Christian world that Christ must reign in our hearts and minds. Jesus connected His role as King to humble service and commanded his followers to do the same. While Christ is coming to judge the nations, His Good News spell out a kingdom of justice and judgment balanced with real love, mercy and peace. When we celebrate and honor Christ as King, we are not celebrating an oppressive ruler, but one willing to “give His life as a ransom for many,” and whose love and mercy endure forever. His is a kingdom, not of deceit and destruction, but of truth and life. His is a kingdom, not of evil and oppression, but of holiness and grace. Jesus alone deserves to receive a throne within our minds and hearts!
In Christ’s abundant Life,
Fr. Stanley