The Feast of Christ the King was instituted in 1925 in response to secularism and nationalism. When national leaders were spewing the notion that man can rule himself without any reference to a higher being it was thought the proper time to establish the fact that Jesus is the ultimate reference as he is king of the universe. In Mt 28:18, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” there is scriptural basis for this claim that Jesus is king. He defeated the army of Satan and as conqueror he is made king. By the fact that we have been purchased by the blood of the Lamb, we belong to him. He is our Lord. “All of creation came into being through Jesus Christ,” (Jn 1:3). To reject Jesus as King is to reject him altogether.
We celebrate the feast on the last Sunday of the year to remind us that when everything comes to an end, Jesus Christ will be there as all things end in him. As we look forward to Advent, the beginning of the new liturgical year, we are reminded all will be made new in Jesus Christ as all things began with Jesus Christ.
As Pilate was blinded by his own illusionary power, we too might be blinded when we think that we are in control of things with no reference to Jesus Christ who is the author of life. “Truth? Pilate said, ‘What is that?’” Do we have the same question or do we know the Truth who is Jesus Christ? When the sight of Jesus Christ is lost, the rudder of our lives goes missing. The beacon that guides us through the storm is gone. Whatever a decision that is taken without reference to the King is a decision that robs us of the graces that will come with a submission to the reign of God. Where arrogance and pride are, is found the decision that I am my own boss and I can decide on what I want.
Love and Adventure,
Fr. Terence Pereira
Questions for Reflection
Who has reign over my heart?
Do I submit all things for the glory of God?
Am I living for this world or for the world to come?