The Feast of Christ the King, also known as the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, is celebrated by the Catholic Church on the last Sunday of Ordinary Time, marking the end of the liturgical year. This celebration was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 with the encyclical Quas Primas. The date of the feast day varies from year to year, but it generally falls at the end of November.
This solemnity highlights the universal sovereignty of Jesus Christ as King of the Universe. It reminds the faithful that Christ is Lord of all aspects of life and creation, both temporal and spiritual. The Feast of Christ the King is an invitation to recognise Christ's supremacy in our lives and to pay homage to him as King and Saviour.
The liturgy for this day emphasises the spiritual kingship of Jesus Christ. The biblical readings chosen for this occasion highlight the different aspects of Christ's kingship, showing that he is a King quite different from earthly rulers. The biblical passages highlight the justice, mercy, compassion and divine love that characterise Christ's kingship.
The Feast of Christ the King has a special significance in the context of Christian life. It reminds believers that Christ must be the centre of their lives, the King of their hearts. Recognising Christ's kingship means submitting all aspects of our lives to him, seeking his will in our decisions and living according to his teachings.
The celebration of this feast also provides an opportunity to reflect on how Christians can bear witness to Christ's kingship in the world. This means working for social justice, promoting peace, working for reconciliation and showing Christ's love in all our actions. As King of the Universe, Christ calls his followers to be living witnesses to his reign in a world often marked by injustice, violence and division.
The Feast of Christ the King is also an opportunity to give thanks for Christ's victory over sin and death. By celebrating Christ's resurrection, the faithful proclaim his final victory and affirm their hope in an eternal kingdom where Christ will reign forever.
Devotion to Christ the King is not limited to the liturgical celebration of this particular feast. It must be reflected in the daily lives of believers. This means living according to the values of the kingdom of God, practising charity, solidarity and compassion towards others. By recognising Christ's kingship in our lives, we are called to be peacemakers and agents of transformation in the world.
In conclusion, the Feast of Christ the King is a significant opportunity for Christians to reflect on Christ's sovereignty in their lives and in the world. It offers an opportunity to renew our commitment to Christ as King of our hearts and to bear witness to his reign through our actions and the way we live. In celebrating Christ the King, believers are called to give glory to him who is Lord of the Universe and to strive to live in accordance with his teaching and grace.
