As the Churches year draws to a close we are reminded once more to remember that Christ is truly "King" and " Lord of all." This feast was established in 1925. When there then Pope, Pius XI released is encyclical Quas Primas. The world at that time was in turmoil. The effects of the First World War was still being felt. Adolf Hitler was on the rise and he formed the S.S and released his book Mien Kampf. Italy and Greece saw their political parties overtaken in political coups and it was into this that the Holy Father released his encyclical to counter the rising secularism that was facing the world.
The Holy Father wanted to remind the world that there could not be two "kings," but that we had to place our trust in the one who had proven his faithfulness even though he had faced death.
The call by Israel to be ruled by a king goes back to the Book of Samuel when the people of Israel asked to be ruled by Kings like "the other nations." Reluctantly Samuel spoke to God about the desires of his people and God warned them what would happen if they went down this path of their own choosing. Needless to say everything God spoke of came to pass. The Israelites had their sons and daughters taken from them, they lost crops and livestock to the King and if that wasn't enough they had to pay the king a tenth of all their crops and livestock.
Today's feast reminds us that God raised up a new "King." One leader who has seemingly passed the test of time. One man who sought not his own glory but came to give glory to God. One who did not try to obtain everything for himself but actually gave a complete outpouring of himself for the needs of others. Wherever he went he taught how to serve others, to love not only those that are easy to love but those whom we may consider our enemies. His teachings turned the religious beliefs of that time on their heads and he challenged the leaders to open their minds and hearts to his words.
Some listened and took on board what he said. Many did not, and called out for his demise. But do you know, you can't keep a good man down, three days after his crucifixion he rose and proclaimed his triumph over death.
God presented us with a new King, a King whose Kingdom is not of this world, who is above and beyond all human politics. One who is eager to be our King so that we may be his people.
To help celebrate this feast day I have added some links I found on the internet with some really good resources:
http://raisinglittlesaints.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/celebrating-liturgical-year-with.html
http://familyfeastandferia.com/2014/11/craft-christ-king/
http://catholiccuisine.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/a-crown-cake-on-feast-of-christ-king.html
No comments
Post a Comment