In the early 20th century, Pope Pius XI found that there was a prevalence of unrestrained secularism and pursuit of materialistic pleasures, at the expense of a healthy spiritual life. In addition, that time witnessed frequent warfare with anxiety and worries pervading societies.
In 1925, the pope instituted the Feast of the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ, encouraging the faithful to publicly recognise that Jesus is lord of all peoples and that it is through him that we can enjoy peace and joy.
If Jesus Christ is the king, where is his kingdom? At the trial of Jesus, Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “You say I am a king” [John 18:33] and explains that his kingdom is not of this this world. His kingdom is God’s kingdom.
As a king, Jesus neither lords it over people nor barks out commands. Taking human form, he was born the son of a carpenter. As he grew into adulthood, he went everywhere, preaching the Good News and performing miracles. Jesus was ultimately crucified and willingly sacrificed himself for the redemption of humankind.
We have seen that Jesus acted with love, kindness and humility, winning the hearts and minds of humankind. With these virtues, he teaches us to spread the message of love and together build the Kingdom of Christ.
Today, the Church celebrates the feast of Christ the King. The Lord Jesus invites us, just as he did with his disciples 2,000 years ago, to “take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart…” [Matthew 11:29]. This means loving God and loving people. The yoke of Jesus is love, which allows people to enjoy freedom and happiness.
Jesus said, “For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth” [John 18:37]. In a chaotic society, when people face social unrest, natural disasters and the rampant spread of Covid-19, they cannot help asking, “What is the truth?” Truth is indeed simple, and is love.
God loves humankind unconditionally because all creation was made by his hand. But does humankind accept God’s providence and loving care? Jesus also said, “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” The phrase, “listens to” refers to a profound relationship with God, praying to him, and understanding and listening to his words.
On the feast of Christ the King, let us open the ears of our hearts, receive his words and bear witness to truth. SE
