27th November 2024, Horsham
Feast of Christ the King
Last Sunday, many parts of the western Church celebrated the Feast of Christ the King. This may sound like an ancient festival, but actually it was initiated in 1925 by Pope Pius XI. In 1969 it was moved by a few weeks from its’ original date in October and is now celebrated between 20th and 26th November, placing it immediately before the start of Advent.
‘Feast Days’ don’t get high priority in my calendar, but having been reminded of its existence, it seems to me that there is something rather special about this one. The 1920’s were a time when people were struggling. Europe was falteringly recovering from the misery of World War. Secularism and nationalism were on the rise. The introduction of the Feast of Christ the King was an attempt by the Catholic Church to respond to these cultural developments by restoring the sovereignty of Christ in a troubled world. As followers of Jesus, living in a troubled world where secularism and nationalism are on the rise, that should catch our attention.
Looking back…
Let’s face it, this hasn’t been a great year. Violent conflicts in Europe, the Middle East and elsewhere. Appalling violence in Nigeria, Yemen and so many other places. Violent and damaging weather patterns bringing hurricanes, floods and drought. Rapidly changing global political landscape, including a surge in right wing nationalism. It’s easy to look back with a sense of despair and disappointment.
The follower of Jesus is called to be God’s light in a this troubled world (Matthew 5:14-16), Christ belongs in the centre of my world, the centre of my life. Christ is the King of Kings (1 Timothy 6:15). We are his ambassadors, (2 Corinthians 5:20 )and he speaks through us. This celebration leads us to reflect on the fact that in the trials of the last 12 months, Christ has not been absent from the world. Though we don’t always see it, he, Christ the King , has always been there, in the centre of all this, filled with compassion and ready to pour out his love in the midst of the challenges and suffering. The Feast of Christ the King reminds us of that.
Looking Forwards
In a few days, the celebration of Advent begins. A wonderful reminder of the coming of Christ. The child, Immanuel (which means God with Us) (Matthew 1:23). A child, born into a desperately violent and challenging world.
Of course this year will bring it’s own uncertainties, challenges and trials. But with Christ at the centre of our lives, we can look forward in anticipation of the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, as we step into this new season with hearts filled with faith, peace, joy and love.
The end piece..
The Feast of Christ the King. The sovereignty of Christ, Messiah, even in the desperate struggles in the year which has passed.
Advent. A message of hope, peace, joy and love. The sovereignty of Christ, Messiah, even in the face of desperate struggles and challenges of the year to come.
Together, a reminder of the eternal presence of God at the heart of his creation. Yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
Immanuel. God with us.
Richard Jackson, West Sussex: LifePictureUK