The feast of Christ the King focusses on the kingship of Jesus as demonstrated by his victory on the cross. It is slightly unusual to jump to this theme at this stage in the lectionary, which was previously known as the Sunday Next Before Advent, or ‘Stir-up Sunday. But it arises from the decision of Pope Pius XI in 1925, which has found its way into the Revised Common Lectionary:
If to Christ our Lord is given all power in heaven and on earth; if all men, purchased by his precious blood, are by a new right subjected to his dominion; if this power embraces all men, it must be clear that not one of our faculties is exempt from his empire. He must reign in our minds, which should assent with perfect submission and firm belief to revealed truths and to the doctrines of Christ. He must reign in our wills, which should obey the laws and precepts of God. He must reign in our hearts, which should spurn natural desires and love God above all things, and cleave to him alone. He must reign in our bodies and in our members, which should serve as instruments for the interior sanctification of our souls, or to use the words of the Apostle Paul, as instruments of justice unto God.
In this year C, we explore Luke 23.33–43. James and Ian explore the festival and its meaning, and the insights offered from this passage in Luke. Come and join the discussion—and add your own comments, questions, and observations.
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