Christ the King

Fr. Frederick Edlefsen

“In the presence of Christ, who is Truth itself, the truth of each man’s relationship with God will be laid bare.  The Last Judgment will reveal even to its furthest consequences the good each person has done or failed to do during his earthly life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1039).

Christ the King Sunday anticipates Christ’s Second Coming. “Behold, he is coming amid the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him.” (Revelation 1:7).  We will see Him face-to-face, as well as the full beauty of the heavenly city, the new creation, the saints, and ourselves.  Banishing the darkness, the King will render histoy’s Last Word (Revelation 22:5).  

In history, Christ is encountered in the forgiveness of sins, in faith, and in the Sacraments.  “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).  Before Christ’s Second Coming, God’s Kingdom is “within” (Luke 17:21) by the grace of Baptism.  If you are in a “state of grace” – i.e. baptismal innocence – the Kingdom of Heaven is within you.  Confession restores this innocence if it is lost by mortal sin.  It’s about your interior life.  “Your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).  This “hidden” life will be revealed in its full beauty and power at Christ’s Last Judgment – his Final Word on history – which raises the dead. 

Contemplating images of Christ – statues and pictures – prepare you for the life-giving mercy and resolution of God’s judgment.  The holy Face will console and strengthen you in times of pain, trial, fear, and doubt.  His Face loves the poor, the suffering, the unborn, and all people wounded and vulnerable – and you.  His Face casts out sin and inspires virtue and love.  His Face turns the eye of our heart into interior depths, wherein lies the Kingdom of God (Luke 17:21).  

The Catholic Church is Christ’s mission until time’s End.  The Church echoes Christ’s words: “For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the Truth.  Everyone who belongs to the Truth listens to my voice” (John 18:37). Christ will resolve all history with his Final Word.  And everyone who belongs to Truth will hear his voice and enter his Kingdom forever – body and soul.