Christ The King
One
Jesus Christ is the King—King of the universe, king of this world, and of the world that is to come! His kingdom is, however, a mysterious one. The Catechism teaches that “though already present in His Church, Christ’s reign is nevertheless yet to be fulfilled.” (CCC #671.) The Church further teaches that the reign of Christ is under constant demonic attack, even though evil has been defeated completely by Christ. Our Lord tells us, “the Kingdom of God suffers violence, and violent men take it by force.” (Mt 11:12.) This passage has been interpreted by the faithful in two closely related ways: The first interpretation is this: Evil men think that the kingdom can be conquered, destroyed, or silenced by force, which is why we see so much persecution against Christians today. The second is that by violence, Our Lord is referring to our own fight against fallen desires. St. Jose Maria Escrivá puts it this way, “this violence is not directed against others but is used to fight against or own weaknesses and miseries…a boldness to own up to the faith even when the environment is hostile.” Both interpretations point to the fact that God’s Kingdom, both His Church and Subjects, must suffer in order to enter eternal glory. Suffering and glory go together in Christ’s kingdom. Do I have eyes of Hope to see Jesus—even amidst suffering, should it come my way—as He prepares me to enter the joys of His kingdom to come?
Two
Today, the imagery of a King is often associated with fairytales and myths that happened once upon a time. But in Christ’s life, and for much of the history of the world, a king was a real, flesh and blood human. A king was one who’s word was law, whose rule was divinely appointed, and who had authority over the kingdom and all its inhabitants. To the ears of his listeners, Christ’s kingship was not a fluffy metaphor. If anything, it was taken too literally by his followers. They thought his Kingdom was a government structure in opposition to Rome. But neither the mythical nor the literalistic interpretation catch the true meaning of Christ’s kingship. Christ does not call his followers to the worldly power and domination typical of the governments of this world. Christ is also not saying that he is a jolly, twinkly eyed portly mand with a crown. He is claiming a very real place in our lives and in the world. His words are law, for He is the Word spoken in the beginning, who created the laws of the universe. He is truly divinely appointed, not just blessed by God, but begotten from all eternity. He is not just a voice of authority, he knows us perfectly and knows what is best for us. Do I trust the words of my King?
Three
Jesus tells us, “Now is the judgment of this world; now shall the ruler of this world be cast out; and when I am lifted up from this earth, I will draw all men to myself.” (Jn 12: 31-32.) The cross is the sign of struggle between the ruler of this world, Satan and all who stand with him, and the Kingdom of Christ. But it is not just the sign of the struggle, but the sign of victory of Christ over the ruler of this world! Our crosses, meaning our sufferings accepted with love and offered to the King, become a power to share in the final defeat of the ruler of this world! This solemnity means that Jesus is King and therefore Satan can never vanquish Jesus’ Kingdom, which includes all believers. But what the devil can do is steal away those whose eyes are bleary, clouded with the dust of this world, who do not see Christ and the end of all things. Suffering and struggle are allowed by the King to awaken and strengthen His people, so that we endure to the end.
Four
The Solemnity of Christ the King was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 to proclaim Christ’s royalty and reign over individuals, families, societies, and nations at a time when secularism, atheism, and communism were gathering strength and support. Pope Pius XI said, “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.” (Quas Primas, #33.) To allow Christ to reign over and in us, we must renounce sin and pick up our crosses and follow Jesus. The choice is ours: will we endure to the end and be saved? What crosses can I more lovingly accept for my salvation, and the salvation of those around me?
Five
Let us close with this prayer taken from the Novena to Christ the King:
Christ, our Savior and our King, renew in me allegiance to Your Kingship. I pray for the grace to place You above the powers of this world in all things. I pray for the grace to obey You before any civic authority. I pray for the grace to fervently bring about Your Kingdom in my family and community. I pray that You will reign in my mind. I pray that You will reign in my heart. I pray that You will reign in my will. I pray that You will reign in my body. I pray that You will reign throughout all the world. O Prince of Peace may Your reign be complete in my life and in the life of the world. Christ, my King, please answer these petitions if they be in accordance with Your Holy Will…As I reflect on Your second, glorious coming and the judgment of all mankind, I beg You to show me mercy and give me the grace to become a great saint. I pray that not only will I spend eternity with You but that You may use me – a sinner – to bring others into Your Kingdom for Your glory. Christ the King, Your Kingdom come!