Christ the King 2024 - Lord of the World or King of the Universe

 Last week, on the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, in which our scripture readings delt with themes of the end times, I referenced two pieces of literature: “The Left Behind” series of books and also the “Lord of the World” written by Catholic Monsignor Robert Benson published in 1907.

The “Lord of the World” novel describes a possible future where faith in God and religion have been replaced by technology & secular humanism, Christians are persecuted and the Church is forced underground. And in the midst of this eclipse of God, an antichrist figure rises to power. He and his followers go on to dismantle our most important societal and religious structures in the name of peace.

Again, I highly recommend it. The novel is highly regarded by Pope Francis himself, and Pope Benedict before him. A contemporary Catholic writer named Joseph Peace has a wonderful reflection upon the book, he writes, “The world depicted in Lord of the World is one where creeping secularism and Godless humanism have triumphed over religion and traditional morality. It is a world where philosophical relativism has triumphed over objectivity; a world where, in the name of tolerance, religious doctrine is not tolerated. It is a world where euthanasia is practiced widely and religion hardly practiced at all. The lord of this nightmare world is a benign-looking politician intent on power in the name of “peace,” and intent on the destruction of religion in the name of “truth.” In such a world, only a small and defiant Church stands resolutely against the demonic “Lord of the World.” 

Consider: that already in 1907, Catholic authors and leaders like Monsignor Benson were already detecting the godless philosophies that would go on to shape the 20th and now the 21st centuries.

Today’s feast of Christ the King was established by Pope Pius XI just about 20 years after Monsignor’s Benson’s prophetic book. At that time, National Socialism which would become Nazism in Germany was on the rise, as was Atheistic Communism in Russia—200 million people died because of those godless movements. Catholic laity and catholic clergy were being hunted down and murdered in Mexico, about 100 thousand people died there. And while we were enjoying the economic boom of the roaring 1920s here in the united states, materialism and consumerism were also on the rise—philosophies which even today contribute to the break down of society and the family.

Pope Pius XI, having a keen understanding of how these terrible forces could play out, instituted today’s feast to counteract “the deplorable consequences” produced when individuals and governments rebel against and reject the Gospel.

And so we celebrate this Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, knowing that it is the message the world needs most today and always.

His is a universal Kingship. Meaning, His authority is not dependent on human recognition or belief. Whether a person worships Jesus or not, or even believes He exists, He is still King. His sovereignty transcends our acceptance, for He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. This means that every knee will eventually bow, and every tongue will confess His lordship.

Moreover, as the King of the Universe, Jesus is higher than all earthly powers. No empire, government, or worldly authority can compare to His authority. In an age where political ideologies and leaders often vie for our ultimate loyalty, we must remember that our true allegiance lies with Christ. He is the eternal ruler whose kingdom is not of this world but encompasses all that is seen and unseen.

Any worldview—be it secular or even religious—that denies Christ's kingship is fundamentally flawed. Without acknowledging Him as the cornerstone, Christless and Godless institutions will never bring about the peace that claim. History has shown us that societies distancing themselves from Christ's teachings succumb to moral relativism, injustice, tribalism, and oppression. Only in recognizing Jesus as King can we find the true path to peace and righteousness.

If Jesus is indeed the King of the Universe, then not only are nations and their rulers subject to Him, but so are our individual wills. We do not own ourselves; we are not the masters of our fate in isolation from God's will. Therefore, we cannot simply "do what we want" without regard for God’s commandments. Instead, we must submit our whole lives to His service and glory. And this submission is not a burden but a liberation, freeing us from the chains of selfish desires and leading us toward true fulfillment in Christ.

The fact that Jesus is King is good news! Unlike earthly kings who may rule with tyranny or self-interest, Jesus is the embodiment of perfect goodness, mercy, justice, and love. He is goodness itself, mercy itself, justice itself. Submitting to Christ means aligning ourselves with the ultimate good. So, we can never err in following Him, for He is the way, the truth, and the life. 

So, what does this mean for us today?

It means that we are called to recognize and honor Christ's sovereignty in every aspect of our lives. In our families, workplaces, communities, and personal choices, Jesus must reign supreme. Let us not compartmentalize our faith by only following Christ for an hour on the weekends, but allow our fidelity to him to permeate every decision we make. By doing so, we become not simply faithful subjects, but ambassadors of His kingdom, shining His light into a world often shrouded in darkness.

We shine with the light of Christ our King particularly when we stand firm in the face of worldly pressures. In Monsignor Benson’s novel, the persecuted Church was small. But in its courageous defiance to the powers of the world she is a become of hope. We too must stand resolute against any force that seeks to dethrone Christ from His rightful place. 

Finally, as we conclude this liturgical year and prepare to enter into Advent, today’s feast is a call to hope. The world may seem chaotic and broken, but we know how the story ends. Christ the King will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end. Our allegiance to Him now is a foretaste of the eternal joy we will share when every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord.

On this feast of Christ the King, we renew our commitment, our loyalty, our fidelity. We joyfully submit to His loving rule, trusting that in His kingship lies our hope and salvation. May we proclaim with our lives that Jesus Christ is King for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 2024 - Left Behind and the End Times

 

Around the time I was entering high school in the mid 1990s, there was a series of books that become rather popular called the “Left Behind” series. These books were fictionalized narratives of the so-called End Times—what the world might be like and what events might take place prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ at the end of time.

Several of these books spent time on the New York Times Bestseller List, and they were particularly popular among Evangelical Christians. The series was even adapted into several films, graphic novels, and video games. 

I don’t think they made quite the splash in Catholic circles, as the books espouse theology that Catholics find problematic. Nevertheless, their popularity in this country says something about a fascination and Christian concern with the end times. 

The end times---they are a common theme in Scripture, and there is a field of theology which includes the study of the end times called Eschatology. Eschatology considers topics like death, judgment, purgatory, hell, heaven, and eternal life. Eschatology looks to scripture passages like our readings today. Daniel’s description of the separation of the wicked from the righteous at the end of time, and Our Lord’s description of the celestial events proceeding his second coming, help us gain theological understanding of God’s plan for what will happen at the conclusion of salvation history. 

Now, the “Left Behind” series is not the first example of modern fiction to take on these subjects. In fact, there was a book at the turn of the 20th century written by a Catholic priest, Monsignor Robert Benson, called “The Lord of the World” which centers on the rise of an antichrist figure and his plans against the Church prior to the end of the world. Both Pope Benedict and Pope Francis have called Msgr. Benson’s book prophetic. I found it captivating. So, if you want some good Catholic eschatological fiction, pick up a paper or audio copy of Monsignor Benson’s “The Lord of the World.”

But while fiction can give us an imaginative window into the end times, it is important that we ground our understanding in the truth of God’s Word and the teachings of the Church. So what are some lessons about the End Times from today’s readings?

Let’s begin with Daniel. The prophet speaks of a time of great distress—a tribulation unlike anything experienced since the beginning of nations. So God’s word foretells a terrible global turmoil prior to the end. Daniel also delivers a promise of hope: “Your people shall escape, everyone who is found written in the book.” No earthly disaster can separate us from God. The righteous shall live forever. 

“Some shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace.” Here Daniel foretells the eternal separation of the righteous and the wicked. In the end, each and every person every to have existed will be judged by God. The righteous—those who align themselves with God’s will—will “shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament.” And those who fail to align themselves with God will be an eternal disgrace. Could you imagine a worse fate? To be considered in the eyes of God a disgrace as a human being--due to squandering the opportunity at eternal life in God's presence.

This passage certainly invites us to live lives of wisdom and holiness now, knowing our choices have eternal consequences.

Turning to the Gospel, Lord Jesus paints a dramatic picture of the end times: the sun darkens, stars fall, creation comes to an end as the Son of Man of man’s second coming. The imagery is stark, yet it’s not meant to terrify us. Instead, Jesus urges us to be vigilant. He uses the example of the fig tree: just as its budding branches signal the arrival of summer, so too will signs point to His coming. However, the key takeaway is this: “Of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

It’s not for us to know when the end will come. Rather, our task is to live each day as if it could be the last, rooted in faith and trust in God’s providence. Speculation and fear over the specifics of the end times are distractions from what truly matters: how we live our lives here and now.

So, what practical advice can we draw from these readings?

Firsly, we are to Live with an Eternal Perspective: Daniel’s vision reminds us that our actions have eternal consequences. Do we live in a way that reflects our hope in the resurrection? Do we live just lives—giving to God what belongs to God and neighbor what belongs to neighbor, helping others to know God’s love, and shining as lights in the world?

Secondly, we are to Cultivate Vigilance and Readiness: Jesus’ parable of the fig tree teaches us to stay attentive. This doesn’t mean living in fear but being spiritually prepared. Regular prayer, frequent reception of the sacraments, and daily acts of charity help us remain ready for Christ’s coming—whether at the end of time or the end of our lives.

Thirdly, we are to Trust in God’s Timing: We are reminded that “no one knows” the day or hour. Trying to predict the end times distracts us from our true mission. Instead, trust in God’s plan and use each moment as an opportunity to grow in holiness.

Lastly, we are to be a Witness to Hope: The end times can sound frightening, but for Christians, they are ultimately about the fulfillment of God’s promises. When we speak of the end, we should do so with hope, knowing that Christ’s return will bring something greater. “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, what is in store for those who love God”. So we are to share our hope with those around us, especially in a world that often seems dark and uncertain.

The end times are not meant to paralyze us with fear, nor are they simply a fictional idea. Rather, the Church presents us with these readings to help us ensure that we are ordering our lives according to what matters to God—to help us get our priorities straight.

Are you prepared for the end? Being prepared means that we have confessed our sins and that we are doing everything we can to trust God and fulfill our vocations as Christians. 

Daniel says, “those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.” Here is a call too, to ensure that we are doing everything we can to lead others to Jesus, through our prayers, our example, our witness. 

To be prepared for eternity, we are to live each day with an eternal perspective, prepared for the moment when we meet our Lord face to face, at our own end and judgment, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.