The Feast of Christ the King gives us an occasion to honour Our Lord as Our Sovereign and to consider the aspects and grandeur of His Royalty. Jesus is often spoken of as ‘King of Love’ and with special reference to His Sacramental presence on our altars. Whosoever would have an audience with the King of kings and the Lord of lords, must simply visit a church in which the Blessed Sacrament is reserved. But it is not only from our churches that Christ wishes to reign as King. In giving answer to Pontius Pilot, who inquired of Him concerning His Kingship, Jesus said that His Kingdom was not of this world. No, far from it and indeed He is far above the petty dignities of a merely earthly dominion, to which there is always an end. But Christ’s Kingdom is God’s Kingdom and of this Kingdom there is no end. While Christ’s Kingdom is not earthly, He is nevertheless Ruler of the entire universe. He sits at God’s right hand and all heaven worships Him and all creatures bow to His Name. O glorious King! O happy lot of all who share in His eternal dominion!
Considering the purely spiritual aspect of Christ’s Kingdom, we may say that it is located in the souls of the just. The kingdom of God is within us and it is from our minds and hearts that Christ wishes to reign. He is given the chance to do this when we keep His commandments and do the will of His Father. He is King in pure souls, where His grace abounds and they are His most faithful subjects, His dearest children and His closest friends. To honour and imitate the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the best way to honour His Majesty and to prepare the way for His Kingdom within us. We must love God and love our neighbour. Love is learned by loving and if we have charity and peace of conscience, we have God living and reigning within us. ‘If any man shall love Me,’ says the Lord, ‘he will keep My word, and We will come to him and will make Our abode with him.’ John 14. 23.
