Christ is King

November 24 is the celebration of Christ the King, a fitting way to wrap up the Church’s liturgical year. If the year were a story, Christ the King would be the final, triumphant chapter—reminding us that no matter what’s happening in our lives, Jesus reigns as King over all things.

This feast isn’t just a nod to the past; it’s a reminder of who holds the future. Just like Revelation 17:14 says, “They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings.” It’s the ultimate promise: Christ is the King—not just of heaven, but of everything here and now.

Why the Feast of Christ the King Matters

This celebration is relatively new in the grand scheme of Church history. Pope Pius XI instituted the feast in 1925, during a time when the world was drifting toward nationalism and totalitarianism. The message was clear: no earthly power can claim the loyalty we owe to Christ. In a time of political upheaval, the Church wanted to remind everyone that no matter how powerful a leader or government seems, Christ’s Kingdom reigns above all.

As Winston Churchill once said, “It is not in the power of any government to confer grace or withhold it.” That’s the essence of this feast—our hope is not in kings, presidents, or ideologies, but in Christ, who rules with truth, mercy, and justice.

The Final Chapter of the Church Year

Christ the King Sunday isn’t just about looking back—it’s about looking forward. The end of the liturgical year points us toward the ultimate fulfillment of God’s Kingdom when Christ will return in glory to judge the living and the dead. It’s a reminder that no matter how chaotic life gets, everything is moving toward one end: the reign of Christ. As Galatians 3:13-14 puts it, “Christ redeemed us… in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus.”

We’re part of that story, moving toward His promised Kingdom.

 This feast also prepares us for Advent, the beginning of a new Church year, where we anticipate both Christ’s birth and His return. The Feast of Christ the King ties everything together—past, present, and future—reminding us that Jesus reigns through it all.

So as you close out the Church year on November 24, take a moment to reflect: What would life look like if Christ truly reigned over your heart, your mind, and your actions?

Because at the end of the day, we belong to a King whose Kingdom has no end. And that’s the best news we could ever hope for.

Soli Deo Gloria

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