Dear sisters and brothers in Christ:
Happy Solemnity of
Christ the King! How wonderful it is that the patronage of our parish is Christ
himself – Christ our Lord of lords and King of kings! On this wonderful day,
the United States of Catholic Bishop issued
information to help us better understanding the meaning of Christ the King. It
was very insightful for me to learn more about the kingship of Jesus Christ. I
hope that it will be for you as well. The winter has come and allergy season is just around
corner. I pray for your well-being during the winter.
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A Kingship that Bears Witness to the Truth
Origin of the Feast: In 1925, Pope Pius XI
instituted the Feast of Christ the King in the encyclical Quas Primas (from Latin, "In the First") to respond to
secularism-the adoration of 'idols' of the earthly world, such as money and
fame, above God. Pope Pius XI recognized that secularism would breed hostility
against the Church. In fact, during the 20th century, governments in
Mexico, Russia, and Europe, infiltrated by secularism, threatened not only the
Catholic Church but also civilization itself. Quas Primas gave Catholics
the hope that while governments may crumble, Christ's Kingdom, unlike the kingdoms
of this world, would last forever.
Christ's Kingship: Although Quas Prim as was written almost 90 years
ago, it continues to ring true today. For instance, secularism continues to
separate people from God, as evidenced by the rejection of Church teachings and
the denial of God Himself. In addition, recent Pew Research Center data shows
the worldwide increase of religious hostilities. Now more than ever, we must
celebrate that Jesus Christ is King of the Universe, including in the following
ways:
• In Christ, we must preserve our fundamental
rights.
Jesus Christ reveals the fulfillment of the truths
of creation found in the book of Genesis: "God saw everythingthat He had
made, and behold, it was very good" (Gen 1 :31). Therefore, "made in
[His] image and likeness," each of us possesses an immeasurable goodness
(Gen 1 :26). And, this goodness from Christ, given to the heart of man, calls
us to fight for what is justly ours: the right to life, freedom of conscience
and religious freedom.
• In Christ, we must evangelize in love.
Christ, both meek and humble of heart, is the
perfect servant of God: Through His teaching and His life, Jesus intended to
confirm, not to coerce, others in faith (Dignitatis Humanae, no. 11).
Through our daily action, let us follow Christ's loving example of showing the
truth to others.
• In Christ, we must proclaim the truth.
Christ's Kingship "bear[s] witness to the
truth" Qohn 18:37). In bearing this witness, Christ acknowledges
government authority, "rendering to Caesar the things that are
Caesar's" (Matthew 22:21). Nonetheless,
we are asked to speak out "against governing
powers which oppose the holy will of God" (Dignitatis Humanae, no.
11).
Bearing witness to the truth in this age can be
difficult. But Christ has shown us that 'kingship' must always be at the
service of the good of mankind. Therefore, with His grace and in hope of His
gift of salvation, let us bear witness to the truth, even when it is unpopular
or costly to do so. In this way, we become faithful servants of Christ,
preparing the way for His Kingdom, both on earth and in heaven.
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