This weekend is the celebration of Christ, King of the Universe. This feast reminds us on an an- nual basis that Christ should rule in our lives each and every day. We are called to live as faithful subjects of Christ the King.

The difficulty arises when we resist His kingship. Many of us admit to times of not wanting a ruler. We like to make our own choices and decisions which reflect a desire for convenience, comfort, and conformity with the popular culture. While we think that kind of independence from Christ will make us happy, the opposite is true. Only when Christ is allowed to rule every aspect of our lives can we find true happiness.

In 1925 pope Pius XI instituted the feast of Jesus as Christ of the Universe. In 1969 pope Paul VI gave the actual name to this feast that we use today and changed the day of the feast to the last day of the li- turgical year. Catholics are not the only ones to observe this celebra- tion. It is also observed Anglicans, Methodists, Lutherans, and Presby- terians. Protestants in Sweden call this feast the Sunday of Condemnation. Their Feast is more focused on the Final Judgment and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

When Pilate asked Jesus if he was a king, Jesus responded, “For this, I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth” (John 18:37). As Catholics, we are identified as priests, prophets, and Kings through our baptism which gives us a similar mis- sion. We too are called to bring the Truth even when it causes sacrifice and difficulty.

Let us ask the Lord, as we celebrate this feast, to help us to adore him as the King of our lives and hearts.

Sincerely,
Rev. Miguel Gonzalez