This Sunday we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. It is the last Sunday in the liturgical year. According to the publication, “Our Catholic Prayers”, Pope Pius XI instituted the feast of Christ the King in 1925 “… to combat the disturbing growth of secular as well as atheistic thinking around the world. Many rulers and elites in various countries had fallen dangerously prey to the notion that mankind could manage just fine without God.” Unfortunately, this notion continues to this very time as we live in a world where powerful forces persist in pursuing agendas that are secular and atheistic. We see examples of this trend reflected in our colleges and high schools. We see it reflected in our government institutions, including our courts. These powerful forces want to take God out of our world, out of our homes, and out of our lives.
Pope Francis has often challenged us to answer our call to discipleship and strengthen our personal relationship with Christ. Our sincere efforts can serve to counteract the pervasive influence of these powerful forces. According to the publication, “Our Sunday Visitor”, Pope Francis has called on us as disciples “…to reclaim Sunday as a holy day.” He suggests that Sunday should be a family day. Our Holy Father stated,“…observing Sunday as a holy day offers us the opportunity to reflect on the spiritual side of our existence, appreciate the blessings of family, and discover true happiness.” He reminded us that we can start to make Sunday holy by going to Mass every week. Mass should be the heart of our day, not just a small part of our day. Sunday should be set aside as a day for the Lord, a day of reflection and rest, as we reaffirm our reliance on Christ, our eternal King.
The following prayer provided by “Catholic Online” reflects our focus on Christ as Our Lord and Our King:
I RENEW MY BAPTISIMAL VOWS. I RENOUNCE SATAN, HIS POMPS AND HIS WORKS; I PROMISE TO LIVE AS A GOOD CHRISTIAN.
AND, IN PARTICULAR, DO I PLEDGE MYSELF TO LABOR, TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY,
FOR THE TRIUMPH OF THE RIGHTS OF GOD AND YOUR CHURCH.
DIVINE HEART OF JESUS, TO YOU DO I OFFER MY POOR SERVICES,
LABORING THAT ALL HEARTS MAY ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR SACRED KINGSHIP,
AND THAT THUS THE REIGN OF YOUR PEACE BE ESTABLISHED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE UNIVERSE. AMEN.
As we reflect on this prayer, we are invited to truly embrace the challenge of Our Holy Father to reaffirm our belief in Christ Our King, and seek His guidance as we continue on our journey of faith.