This coming Sunday, the Sunday before Advent, Catholic parishes throughout the world will be celebrating The Feast of Christ the King. Our parish, in particular, will be hosting a tea after each Mass to celebrate the event. Having recently assisted with our parish’s “New Parishioners Welcome Tea”, I pondered why we needed another tea gathering.
The Feast of Christ the King….does that have any significance to you? It didn’t have much impact on me until I understood the rational behind the celebration…
If you had an opportunity to, how would you share Jesus with another? Would you describe him as just another man who was martyred on the cross? Would you mention that he is someone whom you learned about in Sunday school, but whom you didn’t know much of? Would you describe him as one whom you were told that had died on the cross to free you from your sins and eternal death, but whom you didn’t know or care much to know about? OR… would you mention how you met him and how he has transformed your life? Would you mention how he daily walks with you and how he has consoled you through your darkest night? Would you mention that a moment without him would be enough to blow out the spark in your life and that he alone gives meaning to your life?
A prophetic word was given several weeks ago saying “Do you know me? DO YOU KNOW ME? What is your story? If I am not part of your story, then you don’t know me.” I believe how you answer this prophetic word will determine how you will celebrate The Feast of Christ the King.
God bless,
Melissa – November 14, 2011
p.s.-
http://www.churchyear.net/ctksunday.html.
Pope Pius XI instituted The Feast of Christ the King in 1925 when the respect for Christ and the Church was waning. He had hoped that the institution of the feast would have the following effects:
“1. That nations would see that the Church has the right to freedom, and immunity from the state (Quas Primas, 32).
2. That leaders and nations would see that they are bound to give respect to Christ (Quas Primas, 31).
3. That the faithful would gain strength and courage from the celebration of the feast, as we are reminded that Christ must reign in our hearts, minds, wills, and bodies (Quas Primas, 33).”
Today, there is greater distrust of authority and the only authority embraced by many is that of individual self. Sadly, many also fail to realize that the kingship of Christ which we celebrate is not of royalty as recognized by this world, but that of humility and service.
“Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” “Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:33-37)
“Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face. Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” (John 19: 19-21)