2 Samuel 5:1-3 / Colossians 1:12-20 / Luke 23:35-43
A Brief History of the Feast
In 1925, amid the rising tides of secularism and totalitarian ideologies following the First World War, Pope Pius XI instituted the Feast of Christ the King through his encyclical Quas Primas. His Holiness sought to reaffirm Christ’s sovereignty over all humanity and history, asserting that no earthly power can claim ultimate authority over the human conscience. Originally celebrated on the last Sunday of October, the feast was moved in 1970 by Pope Paul VI to the final Sunday of the liturgical year. This shift underscored the feast’s eschatological significance, orienting our hearts towards the ultimate fulfilment of God’s plan. Its present title, The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, emphasizes the boundless scope of Christ’s reign, calling believers in every age to pledge their allegiance to him and to resist all forces that threaten human dignity.
Synopsis of the Readings
The readings for this Solemnity present a profound and progressive revelation of Christ’s kingship. The first reading from 2 Samuel depicts the anointing of David as king of Israel, prefiguring the coming of a perfect shepherd. The second reading from Colossians unveils the identity of this promised king as the visible image of the invisible God, the source of creation and its reconciliation. Finally, the Gospel reveals the stunning climax of Christ’s kingship: not on a throne of gold, but on the Cross, where he extends the gift of paradise to a repentant sinner. Together, these passages portray a king who unites, a king who reconciles, and a king who saves through self-emptying love.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the first reading from 2 Samuel transports us to Hebron, where the tribes of Israel declare to David, “We are your bone and your flesh.” This Hebrew idiom signifies a covenant of loyalty, solidarity, and a shared destiny. The elders recall that even under Saul’s reign, it was David who led them in battle, and they affirm God’s own promise that David would shepherd his people. The subsequent anointing in Hebron—a place sacred to the patriarchs—reveals that legitimate authority flows not from military prowess or political cunning, but from divine choice. The title “shepherd,” common in the ancient Near East, frames leadership as a vocation of humility, attentiveness, and sacrifice, demanding protection and care for the flock.
This “third anointing” of David is unique for uniting all Israel, fulfilling God’s promise and ending division. The prophets would later apply this shepherd-king imagery to the coming Messiah. Saint Augustine interprets this moment as a prefiguration of Christ, who gathers a divided humanity into one body under his loving rule (City of God, XVII). Similarly, Saint Cyril of Alexandria teaches that as the tribes were gathered to David, so the nations are gathered to Christ, forming a new spiritual Israel through faith (Glaphyra, On Exodus).
This call to unity resonates powerfully today. Consider the first parish dedicated to Christ the King, founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1926. Its first Mass was celebrated by a small community of 225 people, illuminated by car headlights—a humble yet powerful sign of people united by faith, not by nationality or class. In Ghana, the journey towards national unity among diverse ethnic and linguistic groups mirrors humanity’s deep longing for shared identity. Even the modern British monarchy, in its symbolic role, reminds us that true leadership is rooted in service and moral example. Christ, our King, continually calls us to transcend ethnocentrism, social division, and political hostility, inviting us to recognize one another as his own “bone and flesh.”
Dearly beloved, the reading from Colossians elevates our gaze to the cosmic majesty of Christ, proclaiming him the “visible image of the invisible God.” In Christ, the character and love of God are made manifest in human form. He is called the “firstborn of all creation,” a title denoting supreme rank and inheritance rights, not temporal origin. This hymn asserts that all creation—visible and invisible—was made through and for him, and in him all things hold together. In an age preoccupied with various spiritual powers, this is a bold declaration that Christ reigns above all. Astonishingly, this supreme Lord reconciled all things to himself through the blood of the Cross, establishing peace not by conquest, but by sacrifice.
The affirmation that “all the fulness of God” dwells in Christ confronts any dilution of his divinity. The reconciliation he accomplishes extends beyond humanity to the entire cosmos, restoring the harmony shattered by sin. Saint John Chrysostom marvels that the one who holds the universe together willingly submitted to crucifixion for our redemption (Homilies on Colossians, Homily 7). Saint Athanasius teaches that the Word entered creation to heal it from within, offering himself for the life of the world (On the Incarnation, 8-9).
We see this longing for reconciliation embodied in our world. South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission demonstrated that healing a wounded nation requires truth, courage, and mercy. In Canada, the arduous journey towards healing the legacy of residential schools reflects a deep desire for restored relationships. In post-reunification Germany, the Church played a vital role in rebuilding community trust. Pope Pius XI instituted this feast precisely to counter dictators who ruled by fear, proclaiming that Christ’s kingdom is founded on truth, justice, love, and peace. These examples remind us that Christ the King is actively reconciling individuals, families, and nations, calling each of us to dismantle the barriers that hinder peace.
My dear people of God, the Gospel of Luke unveils the heart of Christ’s kingship at Calvary. Amid the agony of the Cross, Jesus is mocked by rulers, soldiers, and one of the criminals crucified beside him. Above his head hangs a sarcastic indictment: “This is the King of the Jews.” Yet, in this very moment of humiliation, his true sovereignty shines forth. The other criminal rebukes his companion, acknowledges their guilt, and makes a breathtaking act of faith: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” In Scripture, to “remember” is to act with saving power. Jesus responds with royal authority and immediate compassion: “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” The term “paradise” evokes the Garden of Eden—Jesus, from the Cross, restores the communion with God that was lost at the beginning.
The two criminals represent two postures before God: one seeks self-preservation, the other acknowledges his need for salvation. The repentant thief becomes the first citizen of the Kingdom, welcomed by grace through faith. Saint Ambrose reflects that the thief, witnessing grace on the Cross, confessed a kingdom not of this world (Exposition of the Gospel of Luke, X). Saint John Chrysostom notes that the repentant thiefentered paradise before the Apostles, a testament that it is never too late to repent (Homilies on the Cross and the Thief, 1).
This saving kingship is alive today. In 1981, Dr. William Magee Jr., an American plastic surgeon, was so moved by children with cleft lips in the Philippines that he founded Operation Smile. His work, restoring dignity and new life to thousands, reflects the healing mission of Christ the King. In Australia, figures like Fr. Frank Brennan and Catholic Social Services champion the cause of refugees and Indigenous peoples, showing compassion to the marginalised. The Taizé Community in France gathers young people from across the globe to pray and seek peace. Pope Francis’ image of the Church as a “field hospital” calls us, as Christ did, to go out to the suffering and the wounded. The repentant criminal shows us that the Kingdom is open to all who turn to Christ in trust. He reigns from the Cross, offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who acknowledge him.
Lessons for Our Spiritual Journey
These readings illuminate a kingship of service, unity, and mercy. They redefine leadership as humble care, not domination, and call us to foster unity in our families and communities, rejecting all forms of division. They compel us to be agents of reconciliation, actively healing broken relationships. They reveal that salvation is a gift of grace, received through trust in Christ, who opens paradise to all who turn to him. Let us, therefore, imitate our serving King by reaching out to the suffering, living as faithful citizens of his kingdom guided by love, justice, and faith, and strengthening our hope in the eternal life he promises.
Inspiring
thank you