Everyone in the world is subject to Jesus Christ who is King of all creation. This means that all men are bound to the reign and rule of Jesus but are also under his loving care and protection.
Because of this, Catholics and other Christians should put God above all things, even when faced with challenges and pressures from secular society or political power.
Unlike earthly kings who have faults or might even be evil, Jesus Christ is the perfect king who loves all those who He reigns over.
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe was instituted in 1925 by Pope Pius XI in response to secularism, increasing hostility toward the Church, and attempts by several governments to remove God from public life.
All of the readings and teaching at Catholic Mass through the year point to the last Sunday of the liturgical year when the Church celebrates this feast day, also known as the Feast of Christ the King.
Jesus Christ is unlike any other king:
Jesus is Lord over it all:
An unusual Shepherd King:
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before Him. And He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.”
Matthew 25: 31-33
The King will come again in glory to make things right:
Reminding us that Jesus Christ reigns over our lives:
If to Christ our Lord is given all power in Heaven and on Earth; if all men, purchased by his precious Blood, are by a new right subjected to his dominion; if this power embraces all men, it must be clear that not one of our faculties is exempt from his empire. He must reign in our minds, which should assent with perfect submission and firm belief to revealed truths and to the doctrines of Christ. He must reign in our wills, which should obey the laws and precepts of God. He must reign in our hearts, which should spurn natural desires and love God above all things, and cleave to Him alone. He must reign in our bodies and in our members, which should serve as instruments for the interior sanctification of our souls, or to use the words of the Apostle Paul, as instruments of justice unto God.
Pope Pius XI, Quas Primas, December 11, 1925
Expressing his reign through sacrificial love:
Jesus accepted Peter’s profession of faith, which acknowledged Him to be the Messiah, by announcing the imminent Passion of the Son of Man. He unveiled the authentic content of his messianic kingship both in the transcendent identity of the Son of Man “Who came down from Heaven”, and in his redemptive mission as the suffering Servant: “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Hence the true meaning of his kingship is revealed only when He is raised high on the Cross. Only after his Resurrection will Peter be able to proclaim Jesus’ messianic kingship to the People of God: “Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly that God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church 440
A relatively new feast:
Everything builds up to the Feast of Christ the King:
The Truth, Goodness, and Beauty of the Catholic Church
Souls asking for prayers:
Share this page with friends and family to start a conversation about your faith.
Don’t miss a post. Learn more about the Catholic Church and strengthen your Catholic faith.
Find more Fiercely Catholic video issues here.
Subscribe here.
