As we approach the final Sunday of the liturgical year, the Solemnity of Christ the King invites us to reflect on the eternal reign of Jesus Christ. This feast was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 through the encyclical, Quas Primas— a direct response to the rise of secularism and atheism at a time when religion’s influence on society was being systematically diminished.
In the aftermath of the First World War, the Church highlighted that while worldly powers may rise and fall, Christ’s kingdom is eternal. Christ embodies the ultimate truth and justice, being the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end [ Revelation 22:13].
This occasion is not just a celebration of Christ’s universal kingship but also a moment of introspection. Do we merely seek God for our personal desires, or do we show gratitude for his abundant blessings? Thanksgiving is the cornerstone of faith, reminding us to acknowledge the Lord’s enduring presence in our lives, especially in times of uncertainty and change.
The Jubilee Year of 2025, themed Pilgrims of Hope, is now less than 40 days away. Pope Francis has urged the global Catholic community to reflect on the essence of hope and to convert it into meaningful action.
In his bull of indiction, Spes non confudit [Hope does not disappoint], the pope emphasises the importance of recognising hope in the signs of the times. He particularly encouraged young people to journey to Rome for the Jubilee celebrations, while reminding all faithful, regardless of location, to engage in Jubilee events within their local communities.
A full itinerary of global activities can be found on the official Jubilee website: https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/zh.html. Our diocese is also planning a series of initiatives to mark this sacred year. These will begin with a Jubilee Inauguration Mass on December 29, the Feast of the Holy Family, symbolising the Church’s collective commitment to embracing hope and renewal.
The Jubilee Year is not merely a spiritual observance but a call to action. Pope Francis has reminds us that our faith must be lived out in solidarity with those who struggle—prisoners, the sick, the marginalised, migrants and refugees, the poor, families, children, and even the natural world. In doing so, we help dispel the shadows of despair and illuminate lives with the light of hope to fulfill our call of Christ’s love.
As we prepare to celebrate the nativity of Christ and embark on this holy year, it is essential to prepare ourselves in body, mind, and spirit. The Jubilee is a reminder to find love and hope in the everyday and to share that with those around us. Let this be a time of renewed purpose and a collective commitment to bringing light to a world in need. SE
