CHRIST THE KING, Solemnity

(2 Samuel 5:1-3; Ps 122(121); Colossians 1:12-20; Luke 23:35-43)

Theme: Acknowledging Christ as King for Peace

We are convinced that acknowledging the Kingship, Dominion, and Authority of our Lord Jesus, and acting in unity with Him, is the pathway to peace. Pope Pius XI understood this divine insight; consequently, after World War I, he instituted the global celebration of Christ as King of the Universe through his Encyclical Quas Primas, issued on December 11, 1925. Originally celebrated on the last Sunday of October and later moved by Pope Paul VI to the last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical calendar.

Thus, in alignment with the words of St Paul from today’s second reading, we are moved to acknowledge, worship, ask for mercy and peace today from “The image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; through Him and for Him all things were created; He came before and holds all things together; for in him dwells the fullness of God, and He reconciled all things, making peace by His blood.”

Denying the undeniable and indisputable presence of the One by whom we were created will only lead to chaos as has happened in past and as we see today. In Quas Primas, Pope Pius emphasized that the horror of war will consume us if we fail to acknowledge the One who dispels evil, grants forgiveness, and offers redemption.

Therefore, let us commune and cooperate with the Holy Spirit, who enables us to embrace the sovereignty of our Lord Jesus as both a declaration of faith and an established truth. We are thus empowered to affirm our participation in the Lord’s Kingdom on earth, to ask for His power, strength, and wisdom, and to serve Him faithfully, while remaining steadfast in seeking His guidance through the pathway of the cross to eternal life.

In today’s gospel, our Lord Jesus assures us that the pathway of the cross will lead to God’s house. By welcoming a sinner into His Kingdom, He demonstrates His readiness to guide and receive anyone whose heart draws near to Him.

Thus, our Lord Jesus is the embodiment of mercy, kindness, grace, and the fullness of God. Let us journey with Him today and to the very end of our lives, trusting that through Him peace will consume our world and the gift of eternal life will be granted to us.