The feast of Christ the King is a relatively new addition to the liturgical calendar, but it has quickly become one of the most important. It is a day to celebrate the universal reign of Christ and to reflect on our own role in his kingdom.
The History of the Feast
The feast of Christ the King was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925. At the time, the world was in turmoil. The First World War had just ended, and the rise of communism was threatening to plunge Europe into another war. Pope Pius XI saw the feast of Christ the King as a way to remind people of the importance of Christ’s reign in their lives.
The Meaning of the Feast
The feast of Christ the King is a celebration of the universal reign of Christ. Christ is not only the king of heaven, but he is also the king of earth. He has been given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). This means that he is the rightful ruler of our lives.
The feast of Christ the King is also a time to reflect on our own role in his kingdom. We are not merely subjects of Christ’s kingdom; we are also his ambassadors. We are called to proclaim his reign to the world and to live our lives in accordance with his will.
How to Celebrate the Feast
There are many ways to celebrate the feast of Christ the King. Here are a few ideas:
- Attend Mass. The Mass is the central celebration of the feast of Christ the King. It is a time to come together as a community and to worship Christ as our king.
- Pray. Prayer is a powerful way to connect with Christ and to ask for his help in living out our baptismal call.
- Read the Bible. The Bible is full of passages about Christ’s kingship. Reading these passages can help us to better understand his role in our lives.
- Serve others. One of the best ways to celebrate Christ the King is to serve others. This can be done in many different ways, such as volunteering at a local soup kitchen or helping out a neighbor in need.
Conclusion
The feast of Christ the King is a time to celebrate the universal reign of Christ and to reflect on our own role in his kingdom. It is a day to come together as a community and to worship Christ as our king. It is also a day to pray for his help in living out our baptismal call.
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