Solemnity of Christ the King
TODAY’s celebration of the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe marks the culmination of the Catholic Church’s liturgical year. Over the past two weeks, scriptural readings have revolved around an eschatological theme or the “end times” and how a follower of Christ must anticipate and prepare for the coming again of Christ. Today, we are reminded that we must look forward to that day when Christ will come again in glory.
This liturgical observance was established 1925 by Pope Pius XI. Celebrations are held in different countries to celebrate this feast. In some parishes and communities in the Philippines, a Eucharistic procession is held. They adorn the altars elegantly and enthrone an image of Jesus dressed like a king. However, a Christian must never forget that Jesus’ idea of kingship is different from how the world understands it. In the gospels, Jesus declared that his kingdom is not of this world and that in the kingdom of God, kingship is about service and solidarity with the marginalized and the oppressed. Kingship is not about sitting on a throne; it is about being with the poor and the suffering and placing ourselves in their service.
Jesus said words and deeds God’s kingdom is within us and we are challenged by Jesus to proclaim in with our lives. We are also invited to reflect Jesus’ love, mercy, and compassion to the oppressed and marginalized in our society for it is to these “little ones” that the kingdom of God belongs.
Last Sunday, during the celebration of the World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis said: “In the poor, we find the presence of Jesus, who, though rich, became poor (cf. 2 Cor 8:9).” God uses their weakness and nothingness to offer his saving love to us. “And if in the eyes of the world they have little value, they are the ones who open to us the way to heaven; they are passport to paradise,” the Pope said.
We pray that we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe this year, our Christian communities will not only focus on the adorning of our altars but also on preparing our hearts and our entire selves for the coming again in glory of Christ who is our King. And the best way to prepare for this coming is by recognizing and meeting Jesus in the poor and the suffering, in the oppressed and in the sinners around us.