THIS SUNDAY MARKS the end of the liturgical year with the Feast of Christ the King reminding us of the Jesus has kingship as creator and redeemer; the King of kings (Revelation 19:16).
In 1925, in the aftermath of World War I, Pope Pius XI promulgated the encyclical, Quas Primas (In the First), and instituted the feast in response to the growing prevalence of nationalism, secularism, unrestrained indulgence and a tendency to pursue material pleasures while neglecting the spiritual life. In addition, that period of time saw conflict between many countries and anxiety pervading society.
In Hong Kong, on the eve of the feast, November 21, the diocese organised a Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament for this year’s newly baptised Catholics.
For the new Catholics, it has been an extraordinary time, with social unrest breaking out in the past year, followed by the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic early this year. Physical gatherings were suspended and the catechumens had to keep in touch via other various means. The rite of the Scrutinies and the anointing with the oil of catechumens were cancelled while the Sacraments of Initiation were postponed at least twice. However, it is hoped that these tests and trials may stimulate the a more committed to the faith and reliance on Jesus Christ.
New Catholics need to deepen their relationship with God, and receive ongoing formation. More importantly, they need to become involved in the parish and live in their new life in Christ through a faith community.
Two Church documents can help in this regard. The first is The pastoral conversion of the parish community in the service of the evangelising mission of the Church, issued by the Congregation for the Clergy in July. It stresses that parishioners must share their responsibilities and become a community of evangelisation.
The parish is the home of faith for the faithful. However, it is not purely a venue or a geographical location. It is a physical space to facilitate parish work to meet the pastoral needs of the faithful, help them to shoulder the mission of evangelisation and understand that the faith also requires them to go beyond parish buildings to share the Good News in the local community.
The second document is Fratelli Tutti, the encyclical issued by Pope Francis in October, which calls on people to cherish fraternal love and collectively build a better, more just and more peaceful world.
Fratelli Tutti points out that while we put God first, we cannot neglect the neighbours around us. As Book of Micah says, “… what the Lord requires of you: Only to do right and to love goodness and to walk humbly with your God” (6:8).
The document uses concrete life issues, eschewing abstract concepts, to illustrate the main theme helping readers to understand how faith can address social issues.
The significance of the Feast of Christ the King echoes in Hong Kong and the whole world. For those newly welcomed into the family of the Church, witnessing to Christ in everyday life may seem a long, challenging journey. However, with the joy of the gospel and the company of brothers and sisters in the Church, it is the most blessed of times to walk on this path towards heaven. SE
