I am writing this sermon in Festo Domino Nostro Iesu Christi Regis. Today is the Solemnity of Christ the King which was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925. It is beautiful to cite Pope Pius XI’s encyclical letter that contains his reflection to establish this Feast of Christ the King. He writes, “that these manifold evils in the world were due to the fact that the majority of men had thrust Jesus Christ and his holy law out of their lives; that these had no place either in private affairs or in politics: and he said further, that as long as individuals and states refused to submit to the rule of our Savior, there would be no really hopeful prospect of a lasting peace among nations. Men must look for the peace of Christ in the Kingdom of Christ.” (Quas Primas, Pope Pius XI, December 11, 1925). The Holy Pope Pius XI believes that the effective restoration of peace is through the restoration and continued building of the Empire of our Lord.
We are still divided; the world is in great turmoil in so many parts of the world, like Israel, Ukraine and evil continues to disturb us and the world. The increase of violence and war probably has increased more so than in the year 1925. There is no genuine peace, and nations are still at war to assert power and political influence over others.
The Church today gives us an opportunity to refocus and to go back to the kingship of Jesus Christ with much vigor and renewed spirit and hearts of so many of us. Our own little way to cooperate establishment of peace begins with us, by being submissive to His will, doing what is right and good and avoiding evil. The reign of Christ simply means peace from within, from our family and our community. Let us choose the path of holiness and kindness and exercise forgiveness from the heart.
Our gospel today narrates to us by St. John about the encounter between Jesus and Pontius Pilate. Jesus, who is on trial, said that “He is king but that His kingdom is not of the world.” Jesus was calm and with great confidence to tell the truth. What are the Truths that Jesus revealed while He was on trial? If Jesus is a king, then what is His kingdom all about? Why is it significant to us?
First, typically we have an idea that a “King” is powerful, with armies, and he has dominion and authority over people, like servants, and belongs to a physical kingdom. However, Jesus claims of being a King and sharing the power and authority of the Father (John 1:18), and the Father has given the Spirit on his behalf. (John 3:34)
Second, Jesus is not the kind of King whose followers and soldiers would fight for him by force and violence and solve all problems in the world, but is a real King who would destroy evil, sinners and pledge to bring us to eternal kingdom of perpetual peace, justice, and joy.
Third, when we accept Jesus as our King, He is a king of peace with a loving compassionate heart for everyone. He never sows enmity and hostility among us because we are called brothers and sisters to one another.
St. John’s gospel today gives us a clear message of hope that we have indeed a King whose heart blesses us with strength and faithfulness to heal our pains and aches. He has given us meaning and purpose as we journey through life, which is temporary and passing. Let us adore and worship the King of the Universe for He is the King of Hearts.
The Extraordinary Form Liturgical Calendar always keeps this feast before the annual observance of All Saints’ Day in order to teach us a lesson that the mission of the Lord Jesus continues in how all our Saints persevered in holiness and fidelity to the eternal and everlasting King, Jesus Christ. We are called to do the same.
God bless you.
Fr. Arlon, osa
