The Solemnity of Christ the King holds profound importance in the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar, serving as a majestic conclusion to the liturgical year. It is celebrated every year on the last Sunday before Advent. Pope Pius XI instituted the feast of Christ the King in 1925 through his encyclical Quas Primas, and it is a feast that celebrates the universal sovereignty of Jesus Christ.
This feast of Christ the King reminds us that, in the midst of the world’s challenges, the Kingdom of Christ endures, providing hope and inspiration for Catholics to work toward building a society founded on Gospel principles.
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There are many places in the Holy Scriptures where reference is made to Christ the King; here are some of them:
1. Matthew 21:5 says, “Say unto the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and upon a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.”
2. Revelation 17:14 says,“They shall fight against the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings; and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.”
3. Revelation 19:16 says, “And on His vesture and on His thigh He has this name written, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
4. John 18:36 says, “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but my kingdom is not from hence.”
Christ is King, and His Kingdom is not of this world, it is an eternal Kingdom! When Pope Pius XI wrote the encyclical letter to establish the day of the solemnity, he spoke about many ways to let Christ reign within us. As Quas Primas (34) states, “It is necessary that Christ reign in the mind of man, which, with perfect submission, must firmly and constantly assent to revealed truths and to the doctrine of Christ; it is necessary that He reign in the will, which must obey the divine laws and precepts; it is necessary that He reign in the heart, which, setting aside natural affections, must love God above all things and be united to Him alone; it is necessary that He reign in the body and its members, which, as instruments, or in the words of the Apostle St. Paul, as weapons of justice for God.”
Here is the Collect of the Day that the church prays at Mass on this feast of Christ the King:
Almighty and eternal God, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of the universe, grant, we pray, that the whole of creation, freed from slavery, may render service to your majesty and ceaselessly proclaim your praise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
The Solemnity of Christ the King reminds us that Jesus reigns eternally, guiding us to live according to His Kingdom. It is an ideal moment to renew our faith and commitment to Him.
You can use the Catholic Mass Times app to find the nearest Catholic church with Mass, Confession, and Adoration schedules. It will surely help you! Download it now.
What is the Solemnity of Christ the King?
The Solemnity of Christ the King celebrates the universal sovereignty of Jesus Christ over all creation. Instituted in 1925 by Pope Pius XI, it is a feast that culminates the liturgical year, reminding us that, despite challenges, Christ’s Kingdom endures. It is a call to live according to the principles of the Gospel in a world that needs its light.
When is the Solemnity of Christ the King celebrated?
It is celebrated annually on the last Sunday before Advent, ending the liturgical cycle. This date is established as a reminder of the centrality of Christ the King in our faith and of his eternal kingdom, just before the beginning of the preparation time for Christmas.
Where is Christ the King found in the Bible?
The concept of Christ the King is mentioned in various parts of the Bible, such as Matthew 21:5, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16, and John 18:36. These passages underscore Christ’s sovereignty over everything, declaring his eternal and non-earthly kingdom, as well as his victory over the forces of evil.
How can I live the Solemnity of Christ the King in my daily life?
Living the Solemnity of Christ the King involves allowing Christ to reign in all aspects of our life: in our mind, will, heart, and actions. Practicing obedience to his teachings, putting God at the center of our decisions, and loving others as He loves us are ways to make His reign a reality in our daily lives.
