Christ the King 2020 Reflection – Fr Peter Ford OGS

The Feast of Christ the King was first instituted by the Pope in 1925. At that time after the 1st World War communism was expanding in Europe. The Feast proclaims the all-embracing authority of Christ. Since 1970 it has been celebrated on the Sunday before Advent and was also included in the Church of England’s Common Worship lectionary.

The challenges of secularism are still there. Yes, the Church is involved in politics because politics touch all our lives and are world. There can be no separation, though many would like to think so. The collect for today reminds us of two of things:-
• that Christ ascended into heaven that He might rule over all
• that the whole created order would worship Him
What a challenge!

When we look at our world today, in all its aspects, politically, economically,
environmental socially and the many “isms.” Where have we gone wrong? Why have we got it wrong? From the Garden of Eden where everything that God made, to wars and earthquakes and mans’ inhumanity to man.

Have we lost sight of God´s Kingdom? Where is that Kingdom of love, joy and peace?
Perhaps the answer lies in each one of us all, summed up in the well-known song: “I did it my way.” Perhaps the answer lies within each one of us as sinners. Yes, we may be redeemed by God, loved by Him, but we are not quite there yet. Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of God, which is a Kingdom like no other. Christ has King has no armies, does not function like earthly kingdoms or states. Its rules are not imposed. It is a kingdom ruled by love -real true love, love as expounded by St Paul in 1 Corinthians 13.
God´s love for us is total. He created us, and never stops loving us, no matter what we try to do by rejecting His love, or running away from Him. For God is love – and loves each one of us and every aspect of His world.

God loves us so much that He sent Jesus His Son, to show us His way. We need to be open to hear His voice and to follow His teaching. Jesus continues to speak to us in so many ways today, and continues to give Himself to us in the Eucharist. He sends us out into the world, as he did those first disciples, to be ambassadors of love, bringing his message of peace and justice. To call for a proper use of creation as we recognise each other as a brother or sister in Christ, regardless of rank, colour or creed.

So finally, the Feast of Christ the King transforms, in a revolutionary way, our understanding of ourselves, of humanity and our world. The more we and others bend the knee” to Christ our King, the more we shall see a world dominated by love and not sin – and that is truly revolutionary!