Solemnity of Christ the King

Solemnity of Christ the King: Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, is celebrated on the last Sunday of each liturgical year. Pope Pius XI established this feast in 1925 through his encyclical Quas primas to address the growing secularism and atheism of the time. Recognizing the danger of excluding Jesus Christ and His teachings from public life, the Pope reminded the faithful that while worldly governments and ideologies may falter, Christ reigns eternally.

This solemnity invites us to acknowledge Christ’s sovereignty over all creation and to live under His reign in every aspect of our lives—mind, will, heart, and body.

Christ’s Kingship in Sacred Scripture

Old Testament Foundations

1. Daniel 7:14
   “ To him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away.”
   Daniel’s vision of the “Son of Man” foreshadows Christ’s universal and eternal kingship.

2. Psalm 2:6-8
   “I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill. ... Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.”
   This psalm celebrates the divine authority granted to God’s anointed King.

3. Isaiah 9:6-7
   “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder.”
   Isaiah’s prophecy points to Jesus, the King whose reign will bring everlasting peace.

New Testament Fulfillment

1. John 18:36-37
   Jesus declared before Pilate: “My kingdom is not of this world. ... For this purpose, I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth.”
   His kingdom is spiritual, transcending earthly power.

2. Revelation 19:16
   “On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”
   The Book of Revelation affirms Christ’s ultimate victory and eternal rule.

3. Matthew 25:31-34
   “When the Son of Man comes in his glory... then he will sit on his glorious throne.”
   Christ is depicted as the divine King who will judge the nations.

4. Colossians 1:13-20
   “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation... in him all things hold together.”
   St. Paul highlights Christ’s sovereignty over all creation and His role in salvation.

5. Philippians 2:9-11
   “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
   This passage celebrates the universal acknowledgment of Christ’s kingship.

The Theology of Christ’s Kingship

Christ’s kingship is rooted in the mystery of the Incarnation. As Pope Pius XI writes in Quas primas:“By reason of the hypostatic union, Christ has power over all creatures. ... Christ is to be adored by angels and men, who must recognize his empire.” (Quas primas, 13).

Christ reigns not only as the eternal Son of God but also as the Incarnate Word who suffered, died, and rose again. His kingship is not one of domination but of love, service, and sacrifice.

Living Under Christ’s Reign

Pope Pius XI challenges us to let Christ reign in every aspect of our lives:

1. In our minds: By embracing revealed truths and living in harmony with the teachings of the Church.
2. In our wills: By seeking God’s will above our own desires.
3. In our hearts: By loving God above all things.
4. In our bodies: By using our actions to glorify God, as St. Paul writes, “as instruments of justice unto God” (Quas primas, 33).

Celebrating Christ the King

In today’s world, faith is often relegated to private life, but the Church calls us to proclaim Christ’s kingship publicly. Pope Pius XI encourages acts of faith that honor Jesus as King:

• Participation in Eucharistic adoration.
• Public processions and celebrations.
• Living out the Gospel in society through acts of charity and justice.

A Call to Action

The Solemnity of Christ the King reminds us that Jesus is not only the King of our hearts but also the King of the universe. As we celebrate this feast, let us echo the words of Revelation:

“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood... to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (Revelation 1:5-6)

Let Christ reign in your life today and every day. May His kingdom come, and His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Eternal Remembrance: A Day for All Souls

 Eternal Remembrance: A Day for All Souls

Understanding All Souls' Day in Christianity

All Souls' Day, celebrated on November 2nd, is a sacred day of remembrance in the Christian tradition. It is a time when the faithful honor and pray for the souls of the deceased, especially those still journeying through purgation. Rooted in the Catholic teaching on purgatory, All Souls' Day invites Christians to intercede for those who have departed, offering prayers and Masses for their purification.

The concept finds its foundation in biblical passages such as 2 Maccabees 12:46, which emphasizes that "it is a holy and pious thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins." In the New Testament, the parable of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31) also suggests an ongoing journey beyond death, echoing a need for mercy and redemption. 

Biblical Reflections on the Afterlife

The Bible offers insights into the mystery of the afterlife. In John 5:24, Jesus teaches, “Whoever hears my word and believes… has eternal life; he does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life.” This passage speaks of a promise of life beyond the grave for those who believe, inviting Christians to live with hope. Meanwhile, Revelation 21:4 reminds us that "He will wipe every tear from their eyes," presenting a vision of ultimate reconciliation and peace.

Honoring All Souls with a Prayerful Heart

On All Souls' Day, Christians are encouraged to remember loved ones who have passed, lighting candles and offering prayers. These acts serve as reminders that death does not sever our bonds; instead, they affirm our faith in a God who holds all souls in His eternal embrace. 

As we mark this sacred day, let us carry forward a legacy of love, inspired by the teachings of both Christianity and the wisdom of those like Gandhi. May our prayers bring comfort and hope, bridging worlds seen and unseen, united by faith and compassion.