Christ the King.
Christ the King.
Pope Pius noted that after the Great War of 19-14/18 although there had been a cessation of hostilities there was no true peace. He deplored the rise of class divisions within society and the popularity of unbridled nationalism. The war had devastated large areas of Europe and the Russian Revolution added to the suffering of many. Governments were trying to deal with economic chaos, unemployment was high and many people were living in acute poverty. The stability of the older social orders had crumbled in many places and the faith and trust people once had in Christianity was being eroded. People sought hope in those who promised food on their tables and extremes such as Fascism, National Socialism and Communism gained support. In 1925 the 1,600th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea where the Divinity of Jesus Christ as God the Son was pronounced Pius XI introduced the Feast of Christ the King. It was celebrated at the end of October before All Saints and All Souls highlighting the Kingship of Christ over the living and the dead, an eternal Kingship in which we can find true hope and peace
In 1969 Pope Paul VI moved the feast to the end of the year, highlighting even more strongly Christ’s kingship and second coming (Advent) to pass judgement on the world.
Today peace still eludes us: social political and economic orders continue to be shaken and society continues to reject the Light of Christ. The Solemnity of Christ the King reminds us that Christ reigns in the minds of individuals by His teaching, in their hearts by His love and in each one’s life by living according to His example. In this way hope can be shown to all peoples. We pray for the courage and strength to act in this way.