The Solemnity of Christ the King

The paradox of Jesus—our crucified King—is expressed in wood, bronze, and glass in the art of the Cathedral. From upper left: the Child Jesus holding a pomegranate, symbol of resurrection, from the statue in the shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary (19th century, inspired by a 15th-century German altarpiece); Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem from the Ceremonial Doors by Ulrich Henn (1998); detail of the Great Cross (c.1950); South Transept Resurrection Window by Charles Connick (1917).

The Lamb who was slain
is worthy to receive strength and divinity,
wisdom and power and honor:
to him be glory and power for ever.
Introit for the Solemnity of Christ the King (Rev 5: 12, 1:6)

The solemnity of Christ the King marks the conclusion of the liturgical year. The readings and prayers are full of paradoxical imagery, challenging our human notions of power and authority. Here is a king who comes to his people not with earthly pomp and splendor, but in meekness and humility, riding on a donkey. Here is a king who is crowned not with gold but with thorns; a king who is raised on high, not on an earthly throne, but on a cross, the instrument of torture and shame. Deserted by his scandalized disciples, dragged before Pilate, Jesus speaks extraordinary words: “my kingdom does not belong to this world…. My kingdom is not here” (John 18). Where is Christ’s kingdom? He “has made us into a kingdom, priests for his God and Father” (Revelation 1). His kingdom is already here, for all who love him belong to his kingdom. And yet at the same time Christ’s kingdom is still to come, and this feast calls us to be ready to recognize Jesus when he comes “amid the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him” (Revelation 1).

The image of Jesus as our paradoxical King is as old as the Gospel message itself; and yet this Solemnity of Christ the King is one of the newest on the Church’s calendar. It was instituted in 1925 by Pope Pius XI. Acknowledging Jesus Christ as king of the universe would, Pius XI hoped, act as a corrective to certain dangerous political ideas of his time, and help to bring about “the signal benefits of true liberty, of calm order, of harmony, and of peace.” He asked that Catholics throughout the world dedicate this day to praying for the salvation of the entire world, for the unity of Christians, and for peace. “Grant to your Church, O Lord, freedom from fear and immunity from harm; grant to all nations ordered peace; perfect your work, until the earth rings from pole to pole with a single cry: Praise be to the divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to that Heart be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

For further reading: The Liturgical Year: Its History and Meaning, by Adolf Adam. New York: Pueblo, 1981.

Return to the Liturgy Update page