This Sunday, November 26th, is the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, also known as Christ the King Sunday. This feast day was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 to proclaim the kingship of Jesus Christ and affirm Christ’s sovereignty over individuals, families, society, governments, and nations.
The feast was established at a time when secularism was on the rise and many Christians had begun to doubt Christ’s authority. Pope Pius XI instituted this feast day to remind people that while governments and philosophies come and go, Jesus Christ is the one true and eternal King. Christ’s kingdom is not of this world, but a spiritual and eternal kingdom.
On Christ the King Sunday, Catholics are called to renew their devotion to and worship of Jesus Christ the King. We are reminded to let Christ reign in our hearts, minds, wills, and bodies so that He may more fully work through us. As Pope Pius XI stated in his encyclical Quas Primas, which established the feast day, “Once men recognize, both in private and in public life, that Christ is King, society will at last receive the great blessings of real liberty, well-ordered discipline, peace and harmony.”
There are many ways Catholics can celebrate and honor Christ the King on this special feast day. Attending a vigil Mass the evening before and participating in parish Masses on Sunday are excellent ways to commemorate this solemnity. Catholics can also pray the Litany of Christ the King, read the Bible passages that discuss Christ’s kingship, and reflect on how they can better serve Jesus and build up His kingdom on earth.
Let us pray that all men, women and children may come to recognize Jesus Christ as the one true King of all nations. May we faithfully serve our Lord and King by leading lives of holiness, working for justice and peace, and spreading the truth of the Gospel.
Prayer to Christ the King
Almighty and merciful God, You break the power of evil and make all things new in Your Son Jesus Christ, the King of the universe. May all in heaven and earth acclaim Your glory and never cease to praise You. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.