Pastor’s Reflection
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Dear Parishioners,
The Franciscan Order was instrumental in establishing this feast and extending its celebration to the universal Church, following the lead of its great thirteenth-century theologians St. Bonaventure and Blessed Duns Scotus. Pope Pius XI introduced this feast in the liturgy in 1925 because the people of the day had “thrust Jesus Christ and his holy law out of their lives” and “these had no place in public affairs or in politics.” Although emperors and kings now exist mostly in history books, we still honor Christ as the King of the Universe by enthroning him in our hearts and allowing him to take control of our lives.
How do we make Christ King of our lives?
- Surrender your lives to Christ’s rule. Since Christ, our King, lives as His Holy Spirit in our hearts, as his grace in
our souls, we must learn to live in his holy presence doing his will by sharing his forgiving love with others
around us. Be constantly aware of his presence in the Bible, the sacraments, and the Church. - Fight against the enemies of Christ’s kingdom. Terrorism has affected the entire world, including Christ’s
earthly kingdom. These terrorists are people who slaughter the unborn; engage in a frontal attack on the
modern family through provocative television shows, movies, and music; eradicate any recognition of God
from the public display; and those priests and the religious who abuse children. Hence, Jesus the King needs
convinced apostles prepared and ready to fight against these enemies. The battlefield is the home, the
school, the place of employment, the neighborhood, and the parish. These provide new and exciting challenges and opportunities to stand up for what is right and defend the truth of Jesus Christ, our King. Ensuring
that Jesus is always the king of our hearts requires great commitment, sacrifice, conviction, hard work, and a
lot of prayers. - Use your authority for Jesus’ message. This feast is an invitation to all who have power or authority in the
government, public offices, educational institutions, and the family to use it for Jesus. Are we using our Godgiven authority to serve others? Are we using it to build a more just society rather than to boost our own
egos? Are parents using their God-given authority to train their children in Christian ideals and committed
Christian living?
The Solemnity of Christ the King is not just the conclusion of the Church year. It is also a summary of our lives as
Christians. On this great feast day, let us resolve to give Christ the central place in our lives and obey his commandment of love by sharing our blessings with all his needy children. Let us conclude the Church year by asking
the Lord to help us serve the King of Kings as he presents himself in those reaching out to us. “To him who loves
us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever.” Amen. Christus vincit! Christus regnat! Christus imperat! Christ conquers!
Christ rules! Christ reigns!
Love and Peace,
Fr. Karl *