Imagine, if you will, a kingdom not bound by the constraints of earthly borders, a kingdom that transcends time and space, where the currency is love and the law is grace. This is the kingdom we celebrate on the Feast of Christ the King, a kingdom presided over by a monarch whose throne was a cross and whose crown was made of thorns.

The Feast itself is relatively young in the grand tapestry of Christian traditions, instituted in 1925 by Pope Pius XI. It was a response to the growing secularism and nationalism of the time, a reminder to the faithful that allegiance to Christ surpassed all earthly powers. Initially celebrated on the last Sunday of October, the feast was later moved to the final Sunday of the liturgical year, preceding the season of Advent, by Pope Paul VI in 1969. This placement emphasizes the culmination of all things in Christ before the Church begins a new liturgical cycle. It's fascinating, isn't it? The idea that in an era of burgeoning human empires, the Church felt compelled to affirm the sovereignty of the spiritual realm.

On this day, churches are adorned with regal vestments, hymns of triumph and majesty fill the air, and the faithful are called to reflect on the ultimate kingship of Jesus Christ. It's a day that seems to stand in stark contrast to the humility we often associate with the Christian narrative. After all, this is the same narrative that gives us a savior born in a manger, a teacher who washed the feet of his disciples, a healer who touched lepers and dined with sinners.

Yet, here we are, celebrating Christ as a king. Not just any king, but the King of Kings. It acknowledges His role as the King of the Universe, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. In the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and the letters of St. Paul, Jesus is frequently referred to as "King" and "Lord," titles that affirm His divine sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. It's a title that demands authority and power, but in the realm of Christ, it's a power manifested through service and sacrifice. This paradox is the heart of the feast—a recognition that true leadership, true kingship, comes from laying down one's life for others. 

 

As I muse on this celebration, I can't help but be struck by the contrast between the world's understanding of power and the example set by Christ. In a world where leaders often seek to dominate and control, Christ the King invites us to a different path—one marked by love, compassion, and a willingness to serve rather than be served.

As we celebrate this feast, we are reminded that Christ's kingdom "is not of this world" (John 18:36). It is a kingdom that does not rely on borders or armies for its power, but on the truth of God's enduring love. This kingdom is both already present among us and not yet fully realized—a paradox that invites us to live in hopeful anticipation. We are citizens of heaven living on earth, called to embody the values of this divine kingdom in our daily lives.

 

The Feast of Christ the King also serves as a prelude to Advent, the season of anticipation for Christ's birth. It's as if the liturgical year comes full circle, from the recognition of Christ's authority to the humble beginnings of his earthly journey. It reminds us that every end is a new beginning, and that the sovereignty of Christ is both a present reality and a future hope.

So, as we partake in the Feast of Christ the King, let us be entertained not just by the grandeur of the celebration, but by the profound truths it represents. Let us be inspired by the kingdom that is not of this world, yet is present within it. Let us be moved by the King who serves, the Ruler who heals, and the Sovereign who loves unconditionally.

And in our own lives, may we strive to embody the values of this kingdom, to serve with humility, to love without boundaries, and to live with the kind of grace that reflects the heart of our King. For in the end, the Feast of Christ the King is not just a day on the calendar; it's a call to live every day in the light of the eternal kingdom.

 

The Feast of Christ the King is not merely a conclusion to the Church's liturgical year; it is a profound affirmation of faith and a beacon of hope. It reminds us that, amidst the ebb and flow of human history, Christ reigns supreme. As we celebrate this feast, we are invited to look beyond the temporal and see the eternal, to find solace in the sovereignty of Christ, and to work tirelessly for the coming of His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Let us, therefore, rejoice in the kingship of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and King, and let His reign of love and truth be manifest in our lives.

Just my musings on a day that invites us to look beyond the here and now, to the everlasting reign of love and peace. Long live the King!