Reflection for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe by Br. Karlo Cruz, Program Director, ReKnew Your Faith

On the final Sunday of the liturgical year, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 through his encyclical Quas Primas, this feast was a response to the growing tide of secularism and atheism in the world. The Holy Father warned that excluding Jesus Christ and His holy law from public life would lead to discord and chaos among individuals and nations. This solemnity reminds us that while earthly governments and rulers rise and fall, Christ reigns eternally as King.

The kingship of Christ is rooted in Scripture. In the Old Testament, we encounter numerous kings, with David standing out as the most significant, prefiguring the eternal kingship of the Messiah. In today’s Gospel, Pilate confronts Jesus, asking, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus responds with a question: “Do you say this on your own, or have others told you about me?”

Even before His birth, Jesus’ kingship was proclaimed. The Magi sought the newborn King of the Jews, offering Him royal gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Yet, His kingship threatened earthly rulers like Herod, who sought to destroy Him, fearing He would usurp his throne.

In our world today, we still speak of kings and queens, but their power is temporary, tied to earthly realms, and limited by time and death. In stark contrast, Christ’s kingship is eternal and transcends all worldly authority. As Jesus declared, “My kingdom does not belong to this world.”

The Kingdom of Christ is not defined by majestic palaces or political might but by the hearts of those who love and follow Him. It is found among the poor, the oppressed, the naked, the persecuted, and those whom the world has discarded. Christ’s reign is not about domination but about service, love, and truth.

In order for Jesus Christ to reign, we must create a world ready to welcome Him. If we live only for the fleeting pleasures and values of this world, we leave no space for Christ in our lives. But if we strive to build a world centered on God, where His love and truth are lived out, Jesus will reign in us forever.

God created the world to share an eternal relationship with humanity. Yet through sin, we have built kingdoms where God is excluded. It is our mission as Catholics to restore this broken world, welcoming Christ and living as witnesses of His love and mercy. In His Kingdom, the poor, the marginalized, and the faithful who persevere in holiness will find their true home.

Let us dismantle the false kingdoms we have built—kingdoms of sin, pride, and selfishness. Let us pray fervently for God’s Kingdom to come, where Christ reigns as King in our hearts and in the world.

“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.”