Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Some Notes on Christ the King:

1. The Feast of Christ the King was instituted by Pope Pius XI on 11 December 1925 with his encyclical “Quas primas.” He wanted to crown the jubilee year of 1925 by honoring the kingship of Christ and to respond to the rise of atheism and secularism. In 1925, in the aftermath of World War I, secularism was rising, relegating religion to the private sphere. Atheistic communism, Nazism, ultra-nationalist fascism, and materialism were on the rise.

2. In instituting the Feast, Pope Pius XI wanted to remind the faithful that Christ not only reigns in heaven but also on earth. His reign is not one of oppression but of justice, peace, and love.

3. In 1969, Pope St. Paul VI, amended the title of the feast to the “Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.” The new title emphasizes Christ’s sovereignty over all nations, cultures, and political systems. He reigns in heaven and on earth.

4. The Pope also changed the date to the last Sunday of the liturgical year, emphasizing even more strongly the connection between Christ’s kingship and his Second Advent (Coming) to judge the world.

5. Both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have referred to the Solemnity as “the crowning of the liturgical year.” The liturgical year ends here, and begins next Sunday, the 1st Sunday of Advent.

6. We recall the previous year, the personal and social “joys and sorrows,” our journey of grace and sin. We have experienced natural calamities and incredible corruption. We have heard calls for conversion and repentance. We pray and strive for the advent of truth, justice in our benighted land in the Church’s new year. This is our social context as we celebrate today’s Feast.

7. The Solemnity has deep biblical roots. The prophets foretold the coming of a Messiah who would be King. Thus, Isaiah says, “His dominion will be vast, and there will be no end to the peace on the throne of David” (Is. 9:6-7). Zechariah speaks of a humble king arriving on a donkey, foreshadowing Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem (Zec. 9:9).

8. In the New Testament, Christ’s genealogy is traced to King David (see Mt. 1:1-17). The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that her Son would receive the throne of David and his kingdom will never end (Lk. 1:32-33). Jesus declares before Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world” (Jn. 18: 36).

9. In Revelation, Christ is described as the “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Rev. 19:16). This eschatological vision portrays Christ as the victorious King, who will establish his eternal Kingdom (see also Eph. 1:20-22). His kingdom does not operate according to human standards of power. His kingdom is built on truth, justice, and love.

10. Unlike earthly kings, Christ reigns from the Cross, a reminder that his reign is not one of domination but of redemptive love. His crown is a crown of thorns, symbolizing the suffering he endured for our redemption. His royal staff is a shepherd’s staff, reminding us that as King he is the Good Shepherd, who guides his people with compassion and tenderness.

11. His Kingship reminds us that true leadership lies in service. “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mk. 10:45).

12. In a world marked by divisions, wars, inequalities, and the relentless pursuit of perishable power and wealth, the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe invites us to focus on a kingdom that endures forever.

13. Proclaiming Christ as King calls for our allegiance and devotion, to seek first his kingdom and righteousness (Mt. 6:33), and to live a life of discipleship. Let us open our hearts so that Christ may reign in our lives, guiding us toward a world of greater justice, peace and love.

“Christus vincit! Christus regnat! Christus imperat!” Christ conquers! Christ reigns! Christ commands!”

14.Prayer: Almighty ever-living God, your will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of the Universe. Grant, we pray, that the whole of creation, set free from slavery, may render your majesty service and ceaselessly proclaim your praise, through Christ our Lord and King. Amen.