Today is our last Sunday of Ordinary Time for
this liturgical year, as we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King.
This feast was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925, at a time when the world was
experiencing a rise of secularism, materialism and individualism and an
increasing denial of Christ’s existence and authority. The hope was that the
establishment of this feast would accomplish three goals: that nations would
see that the Church has the right to freedom, that leaders and nations would
see that they are required to give respect to Christ, the King of kings, and
that the faithful would be strengthened and encouraged by the reminder that
Christ must reign in our hearts, minds, wills, and bodies.
Our First Reading, from, Daniel, predicts a time when Christ will indeed
“receive dominion, glory and kingship” and “all peoples, nations, and languages
will serve him in an everlasting dominion that will never be destroyed.”
The Second Reading, from Revelation, describes Christ as ruler of the kings of
the earth and describes the day when He will come “amid the clouds and every
eye will see him.” In the Gospel we hear the words of Christ Himself. As He is
questioned by Pilate, Christ declares, “My kingdom does not belong to this
world” but that He “came into the world to testify to the truth.”
This feast is needed more than ever for all people and for us especially, as
Christian stewards. It reminds us of three vital truths.
First, even when it seems the world is spinning out of control, we need not
fear because we have a King of kings who is very much in charge and who is
loving, merciful and just. Second, if Christ is king of all, then He is also
king of me, personally. I am not “lord” of my time, talents, and treasure. He
is. I am a servant of the King and a steward of His gifts to me. Third, as His
disciple, I am called to imitate my King. Christ’s kingship is characterized by
humble service, by emptying Himself for the good of others, The Scriptures tell
us He went about doing good and He says of Himself, “I came not to be served
but to serve.” How can I live in any other way than as a humble servant like my
King?
We are on the verge of a new Church year and the holy season of Advent, and
this week is an ideal time to take stock of our priorities, to see if we really
are allowing Christ to reign in all aspects of our daily lives; to ask if He
comes first in our schedules, our budgets, the use of our skills and talents.
It’s also a great moment to celebrate! We are not only servants of Christ the
King, but we are also His brothers and sisters. This should fill us with great
joy. After celebrating the Holy Eucharist, take some time to celebrate at home,
too. Bake a cake, take a walk, put on some music and dance with your kids.
Christ is King!
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