“…in Christ all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. Christ is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Christ is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.” – Colossians 1:16-18
Written by Rev. Brandon Durán
In 1920 the Spanish flu was coming to an end. Yet another sickness was rising in its place. There was a political disorientation and turmoil caused by World War 1. The unsettled feeling created a context for fascism to take root and rise in Europe. In 1925, Joseph Stalin took control of the Soviet Union, Benito Mussolini installed himself as dictator of Italy, and Adolf Hitler published Mein Kampf.
It was also in 1925 that Pope Pius XI created a new celebration. The pope was an astute observer of his world and decided to declare a new feast day in response to all that he saw. In his letter, Quas Primas, Pope Pius XI called the church to celebrate “Christ the King” Sunday. His letter made it clear that this feast was a direct response to what was happening in the world. Pope Pius XI wanted to inspire the faithful. He hoped that, in celebrating Christ the King Sunday, the church would find comfort, strength, and hope in the truth that no earthly power can ever surpass the reign of Christ.
Pope Pius XI wrote, “Christ must reign in our minds… He must reign in our wills… He must reign in our hearts… He must reign in our bodies…”
The world has changed in many ways over the last century. And yet it is not difficult to see certain patterns repeating. Reign of Christ Sunday (aka Christ the King Sunday) is still very relevant and very needed.
We celebrated Reign of Christ Sunday yesterday and I encourage us to keep its importance in mind as we move towards Advent. How do we remember to keep Christ as our first and foremost allegiance? How do we remember to “seek first the Kin_dom of God”? How do we invite Christ to reign in our lives?
Perhaps it can begin with a simple prayer, “God, may your voice hold sway in my heart and in my head today.”