Christ the King: Our Hope in Life and Death

“Oh, what happiness would be Ours if all men, individuals, families, and nations, would but let themselves be governed by Christ!” – Pope Pius XI

We come close now to the end of our year as Catholics. This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe which is more commonly known as the Feast of Christ the King. We also conclude a series of four weeks of homilies and dialogue about death and dying. Sunday begins our final week of Ordinary Time as we look ahead to the beginning of Advent next weekend.

What does this celebration have to say to us about death and about hope in Christ Jesus? I will begin by sharing what this celebration, this recognition of Christ’s eternal kingship says to me. It reminds me of my family’s heritage and practice of their faith, including many of their deaths.

On December 11, 1925, Pope Pius XI issued the encyclical letter Quas Primas which established universally the celebration of Christ the King. Shortly after this letter, Bishop Joseph Pinten of the Diocese of Superior submitted a request that the Cathedral he was busy fundraising for would be able to bear the name of Christ the King upon its completion. The request was accepted and, on Christmas Day in 1927, the Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior was dedicated. It is the first Catholic Cathedral in the United States (among 4: Lexington, KY, Lubbock, TX, Atlanta, GA) to bear the patronage of Christ the King. This is our Cathedral. It is also my home parish.

Four generations of my family have lived, served, and died in this parish. I mentioned earlier this month that this parish is where I intend my own funeral to be held. So, when I consider my own experience of death and how I hope to be with my deceased family members in heaven, I consider that the journey of my soul to eternal life will include an experience of reverencing the heavenly presence of the King of Kings, our Lord Jesus.

For all of us, we will be governed by what we reverence. Will we honor God above all else? Will we choose life and love? Will we allow the transforming power of Christ to bring healing and freedom?

Our co-patron, Blessed Solanus Casey, chose the Kingship of Christ in the moment of his own death. His final words were “I give my soul to Jesus Christ.” May we have the courage and strength to proclaim these words with our mind, lips, and heart this day and at the hour of our death.

Gracias a Dios.