Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Several years ago, my parish’s art and environment committee wanted to create an environment that would bring attention and focus to the Feast of Christ the King. After brainstorming, a decision was made to create a large crown that descended from the ceiling and hung over the crucifix. Although it reminded me of Burger King, it was successful. Parishioners knew that it was the Feast of Christ the King.

Pope Pius XI instituted the feast, then called Our Lord Jesus Christ the King, in 1925 in response to growing secularism. A year later, the first church dedicated to Christ the King was established in Mount Lookout, Cincinnati. Instead of the customary crucifix on the altar, there is a towering Byzantine mosaic of Christ, crowned and robed in glory. 1969, Pope Paul VI renamed the feast to Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. He moved it from the last Sunday of October to the final Sunday of the liturgical year, thus clarifying this Sunday’s eschatological importance.

Today’s readings reflect Paul VI’s wisdom as we end the liturgical year and usher in the seasons of Advent and Christmas. They give us pause to reflect on where we are in our spiritual journey. In the words of the Prophet Daniel and Saint Paul: I saw one like a Son of man coming and behold he is coming amid the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him. Will I be ready?

The answer to the question may be in the gospel reading from John, in which Jesus is in dialogue with Pontius Pilate, who questions Jesus’ kingship. After bantering back and forth, Jesus’ final words to Pilate are: Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.

Are you listening?

Let us Pray:

Heavenly Lord, you long for the world’s salvation. Stir us from apathy, restrain us from excess, and revive us in new hope that all creation will one day be healed in Jesus Christ. Amen.