Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
No fixed feast day in the calendar
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Jesus is King of the universe, a gentle King who came to serve and give his life for everyone
What is this feast?
The feast of Christ the King proclaims that Jesus is King of heaven and earth and of all people. Pope Pius XI established it in 1925. Today it is celebrated on the last Sunday of the liturgical year: after almost a whole year of following Jesus through the seasons, the Church praises him as King, and the next week Advent begins.
The story
Before he died, Jesus was brought before the governor, Pilate. Pilate asked him whether he was the King of the Jews. Jesus answered: “My kingdom does not belong to this world.” (Jn 18:36). He had no soldiers and no palace; he came to testify to the truth (cf. Jn 18:33-37).
On the cross, a criminal who was sorry for his sins asked: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus promised him that he would be with him in Paradise (cf. Lk 23:42-43). In his Passion, King Jesus wore a crown of thorns, and his throne was the cross.
Jesus also told how, on the day he comes in glory, the King will say to those on his right: “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Mt 25:40).
Why does the Church celebrate this feast?
The Church celebrates it to remind everyone that no one and nothing is more important than Jesus. The globe with the cross in his hand says that the whole world belongs to him. The Kingdom of Christ is a kingdom of love, justice and peace, and he wants each of us to help build it, starting today.
A lesson for you
- Every morning, offer your day to Jesus, your King.
- Serve the little ones: share your food, help a classmate who is struggling, visit someone who is sick.
- Always tell the truth, because King Jesus came to testify to the truth.
Identifying marks
- A golden crown: Jesus is King of heaven and earth, but his Kingdom does not belong to this world (cf. Jn 18:36).
- A golden globe with a small cross on top: the whole world belongs to Christ, and he reigns by the cross, that is, by love.
- The right hand raised in blessing: King Jesus does not come to threaten, but to give grace and blessing to his people.
- A red mantle over a white robe: red recalls a love that gives its life; white recalls the glory of Easter.
- Clouds and light around him: Christ reigns in glory in heaven and will come again.
The text on this page is the card in the Catholic Information app, word for word.
Compiled by i-Catholic · About