Feast of Christ the King (Year B)

 Feast of Christ the King – November 24, 2024

Daniel 7:13-14; Revelation 1:5-8; John 18:33-37

(Image courtesy: Google)

A great scene in the play fits very well with today’s feast of Christ the King. You might remember that the play was about the determination of St. Thomas More to stand for the faith against the persuasion and eventually persecution of King Henry VIII of England. In the scene, Henry is trying to coax his second-in-charge, Thomas More, to agree that it is proper for him, the King, to divorce his wife Catherine since she was also his sister-in-law and since she had not given birth to a male heir to the Kingdom. After the King made all his arguments, Thomas More said that he was unfit to meddle in this argument and the King should take it to Rome. Henry VIII retorted that he didn’t need a pope to tell him what he could or couldn’t do. Then we come to the centre point. Thomas More asked the King, “Why do you need my support?” Henry VIII replied with words we would all love to hear said about each of us, “Because, Thomas, you are honest.

And what is more to the point, you are known to be honest. There are plenty in the Kingdom who support me, but some do so only out of fear and others only out of what they can get for their support. But you are different. And people know it. That is why I need your support.”

In the presence of integrity, Henry VIII knew who King was and who was subject.

Today’s Mass highlights the titles that affirm Christ’s sovereignty over humanity. Firstly, as God and Creator of the universe, Christ wields supreme authority over all creation, for “All things were created by Him.” Secondly, as our Redeemer, Christ bought us with His precious Blood, making us His own. Thirdly, Christ is the Head of the Church, “holding in all things the primacy.” Lastly, God granted Christ dominion over all nations as His special possession.

The Mass also outlines the characteristics of Christ’s kingdom. This kingdom is supreme, encompassing not only all people but also their rulers. It is universal, reaching all nations and places. It is eternal, for “The Lord shall remain a King forever.” Finally, it is spiritual, as Christ’s “kingdom is not of this world.”

A Kingdom Not of This World

When Pilate asks Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus responds, “My kingdom is not of this world.” This statement sets the tone for understanding the unique nature of Christ’s kingship. Unlike the kingdoms of the world, built on power, wealth, and domination, Christ’s kingdom is founded on self-giving love, service, and truth.

In worldly terms, kings wield authority over territories and people, often with force. Jesus, however, exercises His kingship through humility and sacrifice. His crown is made of thorns, and His throne is the cross. This paradox invites us to reconsider our understanding of power and leadership. Christ’s kingship is not about coercion but about drawing people to Himself through the irresistible power of love.

A King Who Bears Witness to the Truth

Jesus tells Pilate, “For this I was born, and for this I came into the world: to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Here, Jesus identifies Himself as the witness to ultimate truth. In a world often driven by relativism and half-truths, Jesus offers a clarity that points to God’s love, mercy, and justice.

 

Belonging to Christ’s kingdom means embracing this truth. It requires courage to live according to His teachings, especially when they challenge societal norms. Jesus’ kingdom demands that we reject lies, hypocrisy, and injustice in favor of integrity, compassion, and righteousness.

The Call to Be Citizens of His Kingdom

As followers of Christ, we are called to be active participants in His kingdom. This means living out the values of the Gospel in our daily lives. The Church, as the visible body of Christ on earth, serves as a sign and instrument of this kingdom. Our mission is to work for peace, justice, and the dignity of every human being.

This is especially relevant in a world fractured by division, inequality, and violence. As citizens of Christ’s kingdom, we are called to be peacemakers and bridge-builders. We are called to serve the poor, welcome the stranger, and defend the vulnerable. By doing so, we proclaim the reign of Christ not through words alone but through actions that reflect His love.

Christ the King and Our Personal Lives

The Feast of Christ the King also invites us to examine the place of Christ in our personal lives. Who or what truly reigns in our hearts? Do we allow materialism, ambition, or selfish desires to take precedence over Christ? Or do we strive to make Him the center of our lives?

To acknowledge Christ as King means surrendering our will to His. It means trusting Him even when His ways seem challenging or mysterious. Just as He reigns with humility and selflessness, we are called to imitate these qualities in our relationships and decisions.

Hope in the Kingship of Christ

Finally, the kingship of Christ gives us hope. It reminds us that history is not random but is moving toward the ultimate fulfilment of God’s plan. Christ’s victory over sin and death assures us that evil will not have the last word. His kingdom, though not fully realized, is already present and growing wherever His love is lived out.

As we celebrate this feast, we look forward to the day when Christ will come again in glory to establish His kingdom fully. In the meantime, we are called to be His faithful ambassadors, bringing His light to a world in need.

The Feast of Christ the King challenges us to embrace a new vision of kingship—one rooted in service, love, and truth. It invites us to pledge our allegiance to Christ, not as a distant ruler but as a loving King who walks with us. As we prepare to enter a new liturgical year, may this feast inspire us to live as citizens of His kingdom, proclaiming His reign through lives of faith, hope, and charity.

Let us ask ourselves: How can we better reflect the kingship of Christ in our lives? How can we bear witness to His truth in our homes, workplaces, and communities? May we allow Christ to reign in our hearts, so that His kingdom may come more fully in our world.

Happy Feast