He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. (Colossians 1:17-19)
My church background does not include a tradition of following the Church Year very closely. In the past we followed the common lectionary, however in recent years that pattern has given way to other patterns for the reading of scripture and so a loss of connection with parts of the Church Year.
In many ways we are the poorer for it. Following the seasons in the Church year invites us to reflect on our faith. The Feast of Christ the King invites such reflection. This special celebration is one I have come to understand and appreciate. This last Sunday in the Church Year, is one of completion.
In Advent we hope for the Messiah and anticipate what this will mean for us. Advent readings are often dramatic and unsettling. In contrast the Feast of Christ the King is a celebration of fulfilment. Christ is King and we proclaim his sovereignty over all the world.
Our celebrations take place in the reality of our world. Pope Pius XI instituted the feast in 1925 in the aftermath of WWI as a celebration of hope in the midst of the reality of the world.
We live with the seeming unlimited impact of AI. Climate change is profoundly real and it impact grows. The disparity between rich and poor is greater. Conflicts continue unabated and people die without compassion. Violence against women and girls seems to be unending. The list goes on.
When we consider Christ as King we remember that Christ’s coronation was the crucifixion and resurrection. The path of kingship was of vulnerability and trust and not of earthly might. It is both spiritual and human in its dimension. Spiritual in that it is in faith that we encounter the reigning Christ, and so pray with confidence in Christ.
It is human in that we are called to faithfulness and hope, living our lives in fidelity to Christ. Living in ways so that the values of justice, compassion, self-giving love and joy are real today. As we do so Christ the King is present.
Rev John Gilmore
NCCA President