Americans have a complicated relationship with monarchy. On one hand, our nation rejected a king at its founding; on the other hand, royalty and the trappings of monarchy constantly capture our cultural imagination, whether it be a royal wedding or the funeral of a long-reigning monarch. But this Sunday, as Catholics – an allegiance that is far more important than any other – we remember that, in fact, we do have a King, and His name is Jesus Christ. In 1925, Pope Pius XI instituted the annual celebration of this feast of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Pius XI was pope inter bella magna, “between the great wars”, from 1922-1939, and spent himself striving to establish peace among men during this particularly war-torn period of history. His papal motto was Pax Christi in Regno Christi: “the Peace of Christ in the Kingdom of Christ.” Pius believed and taught that unless human beings know that they fall under the dominion and lordship of Christ in every aspect of their lives, there can be no lasting or true peace on earth. I want to share some of his thoughts from the document Quas Primas, and I invite you to spend time reading and praying with it on your own. After showing the testimony of Scripture regarding Christ’s kingship and the truth that the Catholic Church is His kingdom physically present on earth, Pius affirms that:
"The empire of our Redeemer embraces all men ‘His empire includes not only Catholic nations, not only baptized persons who, though of right belonging to the Church, have been led astray by error, or have been cut off from her by schism, but also all those who are outside the Christian faith; so that truly the whole of mankind is subject to the power of Jesus Christ.’ Nor is there any difference in this matter between the individual and the family or the State; for all men, whether collectively or individually, are under the dominion of Christ. In Him is the salvation of the individual, in Him is the salvation of society. ‘Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given to men whereby we must be saved’ (Acts 4:12). He is the author of happiness and true prosperity for every man and for every nation. If, therefore, the rulers of nations wish to preserve their authority, to promote and increase the prosperity of their countries, they will not neglect the public duty of reverence and obedience to the rule of Christ. ‘With God and Jesus Christ excluded from political life, with authority derived not from God but from man, the very basis of that authority has been taken away, The result is that human society is tottering to its fall, because it has no longer a secure and solid foundation.’”
This is an exciting powerful testimony, yet perhaps one that seems grim. But if Christ is not king of our world or our lives, how can our world – or our lives – be anything but grim? He is the light of the nations, and the peace which excels all understanding. If we would let Him truly reign, then all darkness and bitterness would flee away. “When once men recognize, both in private and in public life, that Christ is King, society will at last receive the great blessings of real liberty, well-ordered discipline, peace and harmony...for with the spread of the kingdom of Christ men will become more and more conscious of the link that binds them together, and thus many conflicts will be either prevented entirely or at least their bitterness will be diminished.” Through prayerful consideration of the truth of Christ’s dominion, Christians will be encouraged toward greater holiness in our daily lives. “If to Christ our Lord is given all power in heaven and on earth; if all men, purchased by His Precious Blood, are subjected to His dominion; if this power embraces all men, it must be clear that not one of our faculties is exempt from His empire. He must reign in our minds, which should assent with perfect submission and firm belief to revealed truths and to the doctrines of Christ. He must reign in our wills, which should obey the laws and precepts of God. He must reign in our hearts, which should spurn natural desires and love God above all things, and cleave to Him alone. He must reign in our bodies, which should serve as instruments for the interior sanctification of our souls, or in the words of St. Paul, as ‘instruments of righteousness unto God’ (Rom 6:13). If all these truths are presented to the faithful for their consideration, they will prove a powerful incentive to perfection.”
As we celebrate this feast of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, may we commit to celebrate it at every moment in spirit and in truth; if we believe that He is our king, may we live according to that belief, surrendering all things to Him, so that in placing ourselves freely under His power and authority, in every aspect of our lives, we may discover the peace that arises wherever He reigns, and His peace may reign wherever people of good-will dwell. May God bless you in the week ahead and may Mother Mary lead you more deeply into the Sacred and Merciful Heart of Jesus, our King. I remain,
Affectionately yours in Christ,
Fr. Hess
