Way back on September 12th, in our gospel reading, Jesus asked his disciples “Who do
people say that I am?” “John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.” “But who
do YOU say that I am?”
Over the centuries the names given to Christ have continued to increase as we try to figure
out who Jesus is to his followers; “Sir,” “a Jew,” the Christ, the Word, the Messiah, the Son of
God, the Son of Man, the Good Shepherd, “The Way, the Truth and the Life.”
This weekend’s feast of the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, is
celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church in honor of Jesus Christ as lord over all creation.
The ancient Church gave Christ the title of “King” as early as the 5th century. The actual feast day
was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925. The festival is also observed in Lutheran, Anglican,
and other Protestant churches. The feast celebrates the coming of Advent but
also reminds us to look back on the past Church year. These last twelve months have been so
hard on the world and us as individuals. Yet, I know Christ was present in my life, and I pray in
yours as well.
The feast also makes us look forward to Advent and the upcoming Church year. What awaits us?
How will we find Christ in a world that is still in the grips of the pandemic? What will we do to
make things better for everyone?
During the next four weeks, strive to make a difference or pray about how you will make a
difference in the future. After all, that is what our Lord calls us to do. He did so gently, as a good
and kind king that has great faith in us. Christ THE King… Christ IS King. Happy Feast Day!
