The Feast of Christ the King: Proclaiming the Reign of Jesus Over All Creation
The Feast of Christ the King, observed on the final Sunday of the liturgical year in the Catholic Church, solemnly recognises the authority and sovereignty of Jesus Christ over all aspects of both earthly and spiritual life. This feast acts as a compelling reminder that Christ’s kingship surpasses all temporal powers and ideologies, urging Christians to pledge a higher loyalty that exceeds any political, social, or personal authority.
1. HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND PURPOSE OF THE FEAST
Instituted by Pope Pius XI: In 1925, during a period fraught with social upheaval and ideological conflict, Pope Pius XI established the Feast of Christ the King through his encyclical "Quas Primas". This was a time characterised by the rise of nationalism, secularism, and fascism across Europe. Observing the troubling trend of individuals turning away from Christ and the enduring teachings of the Church, Pius XI expressed concern over the increasing reliance on ephemeral governments and ideologies that not only ignored but often directly contradicted fundamental Christian values. By instituting the Feast of Christ the King, he aimed to reawaken the faithful's consciousness of Christ's reign's supremacy over all earthly authorities, reinforcing the call to embrace His teachings steadfastly.
A Counter to Secularism and Nationalism: The Feast of Christ the King serves as a poignant countermeasure to the pervasive secularism and growing nationalism of Pius XI’s time. It challenges Catholics to recognise Christ not merely as a spiritual leader but as the ultimate ruler who holds authority over every aspect of life, spiritual, political, and social alike. The proclamation of Christ the King acts as a resolute challenge against any form of idolatry or misplaced allegiance that prioritises anything or anyone above God. This feast compels the faithful to reorient their lives, aligning their priorities with the divine authority and principles ascribed to Christ.
2. THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE
Biblical Foundations for Christ’s Kingship
- Daniel 7:13-14: This prophetic passage foreshadows a king whose rule is everlasting, stating, “His dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.” This vision is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, underscoring His eternal sovereignty over all of creation.
- John 18:36-37: In this dialogue, Jesus asserts, “My kingdom is not of this world.” This declaration highlights that His reign transcends earthly ambitions and material successes. Instead, it is rooted in spiritual and moral authority designed to inspire profound transformation within individuals and communities.
- Philippians 2:9-11: St. Paul proclaims that “every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” This powerful affirmation captures the reverence and obedience demanded by Christ’s kingship, emphasising the recognition of His absolute authority.
- Christ as King of the Heart and Soul: For Catholics, the reign of Christ begins internally, within the hearts of each individual. Here, believers are called to voluntarily accept His authority, allowing His love and teachings to guide their lives. This surrender leads to significant personal transformation, inspiring believers to embody the virtues of compassion, justice, and peace in their daily lives.
3. RELEVANCE OF CHRIST’S KINGSHIP TO MODERN SOCIETY
Challenging Materialism and Secular Authority: In an era dominated by materialism and secular ideologies, the Feast of Christ the King offers a compelling reminder that true power and authority reside solely in Christ. His teachings provide a stark contrast to the prevailing consumerist culture, encouraging believers to rise above the relentless pursuit of wealth and worldly accomplishments in favour of eternal values such as love, justice, and mercy. This perspective urges Christians to reflect on the more profound significance of their lives beyond material possessions.
Uniting the Faithful Beyond Borders: The feast embodies the significance of unity under one sovereign, Jesus Christ, fostering a global community of believers that transcends national and ethnic boundaries. In a world divided mainly by political interests, social media conflicts, and international strife, this unity serves as a powerful remedy. By declaring Christ as King, Catholics affirm that their ultimate allegiance goes beyond local or national identities, paving the way for solidarity among the faithful worldwide.
Promoting Justice and Peace: Celebrating Christ's kingship is an urgent call to recognise and protect the dignity of every individual, especially those marginalised by society. Emulating His example compels communities to prioritise justice, peace, and compassion within both public policy and personal interactions. The social teachings of the Catholic Church align seamlessly with the spirit of this feast, advocating for structures that resonate with the values intrinsic to Christ's kingdom, most importantly, justice, mercy, and charity.
4. LIVING OUT THE FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING
Personal Surrender to Christ’s Kingship: To genuinely celebrate this feast, Catholics are encouraged to make a profound personal commitment, surrendering their lives entirely to Christ. This involves a willingness to let His principles and teachings influence their daily decisions and behaviour. Engaging regularly in prayer, participating actively in the sacraments, and displaying acts of love and humility are vital expressions of this commitment, allowing believers to truly embody the virtues exemplified by Jesus in His role as King.
Proclaiming Christ’s Kingdom in the World: We are also called to manifest Christ's kingship by actively serving others, particularly the poor and oppressed. Through concrete acts of service and advocacy, Catholics emulate Christ's ministry, allowing His values to shape their lives and communities. This not only serves as a witness to His kingdom but also contributes to its transformative impact on the world around them.
Advocating for Truth and Justice: At the core of Christ's kingship lies the enduring pursuit of truth and justice. Catholics can honour this feast by standing unwaveringly in the truth, rejecting falsehoods, and advocating for the fair treatment of all individuals. This commitment to truth and justice is crucial in navigating the challenges of modern society, enabling Catholics to reflect the loving and just nature of Christ Himself.
5. BIBLICAL REFLECTIONS ON CHRIST’S ETERNAL REIGN
Colossians 1:15-20: “He is the image of the invisible God… by him all things were created.” The passage from Paul's letter to the Colossians conveys the profound truth that Christ is not only a significant figure in Christianity, but He is fundamentally central to the universe itself. He embodies the very essence of God, revealing attributes of the divine that are otherwise inaccessible to human understanding. This verse encapsulates the belief that everything in existence, from the vast cosmos to the tiniest particles, finds its purpose and meaning through Him. Recognising Christ as the image of the invisible God invites believers to reflect on their relationship with the Creator, emphasising that all creation is interconnected and finds its ultimate fulfilment in Him.
Revelation 19:16: “On his robe and on his thigh he has a name inscribed, ‘King of kings and Lord of lords.’” The Book of Revelation proclaims the absolute authority of Christ over all earthly and celestial powers. The title “King of kings and Lord of lords” powerfully illustrates not just His position but the totality of His dominion. It suggests that while many may claim leadership and authority in various domains, none can rival the sovereignty of Christ. His rule transcends time and space, offering a glimpse of a kingdom that is just, compassionate, and everlasting. The anticipation of Christ's return fuels hope and assures believers that true justice and peace will ultimately prevail under His reign.
Psalm 72:8: “May he have dominion from sea to sea.” The Psalms not only reflect the scope of God’s promised reign but also serve as a prophetic declaration of the universal kingdom of Christ. It suggests a future where His influence extends across all nations and peoples, embodying a reign characterised by justice, peace, and righteousness. This imagery resonates deeply with the Catholic belief in the universal nature of Christ’s kingship, foretelling a time when His authority will be acknowledged by all of creation. As believers meditate on this verse, they are encouraged to envision a world transformed by the presence of Christ, motivated to work towards reflecting His kingdom here and now.
Conclusion: Embracing Christ’s Kingship in a Divided World
The Feast of Christ the King is a powerful reminder that, in a world often dominated by secular ideas, power struggles, and fleeting pleasures, Jesus Christ remains the one true sovereign. His kingship does not rely on earthly dominance or control; rather, it is characterised by spiritual freedom, compassion, and the everlasting truth of His love.
This celebration invites Catholics and all believers to centre Jesus in their lives, encouraging them to choose His peace, justice, and unconditional love over the distractions and divisions that often afflict society. Recognising Christ as King allows believers to affirm that His kingdom is one of compassion, mercy, and unity, a message that is not only transformative but also highly relevant in today’s divided world. It challenges individuals to embody the principles of Christ’s reign in their daily lives, fostering communities of love and understanding as they actively work to build His kingdom on earth.
Dr Nicholas Macedon, OCD,
Jeeva Jyothi Carmelite Institute of Spirituality (JJCIS),
Old Gandarvakottai,
Pudukottai - 613301.
Tamil Nadu, India
What's app - +91 - 9698453101
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