Understanding Christ, King of the Universe | Nov 22, 2026
Feast Day: Sunday, November 22, 2026
Today, our culture is filled with political division and the rallying cry of "No Kings," protesting perceived authoritarian power and executive overreach.
Yet, as Catholics, we profess an eternal truth:
Jesus Christ is the King of the Universe.
Instituted by Pope Pius XI in his 1925 encyclical Quas Primas, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, was established in response to the growing influence of secularism, nationalism, and totalitarianism.
The Church reminds us that history does not ultimately belong to earthly rulers or political powers, but to Christ, the divine Word through whom all things were created.
To better understand the significance of Christ's kingship, consider three profound perspectives: the teaching of the Vatican, the theological vision of Pope Saint John Paul II, and the evangelistic insight of Venerable Fulton J. Sheen.
1. The Vatican: A Reign of Truth, Peace, and Justice
The Church teaches that Christ's kingship is both a universal reality and a personal invitation to every believer. His kingdom is fundamentally different from earthly kingdoms:
- Not of This World: Jesus tells Pontius Pilate, "My kingdom is not from this world" (John 18:36). His reign is not established through military conquest, wealth, or political power, but through truth and love.
- The Fullness of Creation: The Catechism reminds us that all creation finds its purpose in Christ. As Lord of history and Head of the Church, He is the one through whom all things will ultimately be reconciled to God.
- Social Kingship: Recognizing Christ as King means allowing Gospel values to shape our communities and society, placing human dignity, justice, and love at the center of public life.
2. Saint John Paul II: Opening the Doors to the King of Mercy
Having lived under both Nazi and Soviet Communist oppression, Pope Saint John Paul II understood the dangers of human power unchecked by truth and moral authority. For him, recognizing Christ as King was an antidote to fear and oppression.
His powerful words at the beginning of his pontificate remain an enduring invitation:
"Do not be afraid! Open wide the doors for Christ!
To his saving power open the boundaries of States, economic and political systems, the vast fields of culture, civilization and development."
— Pope Saint John Paul II, Inaugural Address, 1978
John Paul II frequently emphasized two remarkable aspects of Christ's kingship:
- The Crown of Thorns: Christ reveals the depth of His kingship most powerfully on the Cross. His throne is the wood of Calvary, and His crown is woven with thorns. He does not conquer through force, but through the gift of His own life.
- The King of Mercy: Christ's royal authority is inseparable from His mercy. In the encounter with the Good Thief, Jesus offers forgiveness and the promise of Paradise (Luke 23:42–43).
John Paul II called the faithful to bring Christ's kingship into everyday life by defending human dignity, transforming culture, and becoming instruments of peace.
3. Venerable Fulton J. Sheen: The Reign Within Our Hearts
Venerable Fulton J. Sheen brought the theology of Christ the King into the practical realities of everyday life. He challenged people to consider a fundamental question:
Who sits on the throne of your heart?
Sheen contrasted the kingdoms of this world with the kingship of Christ:
Sheen emphasized that every person must ultimately choose between the ways of the world-self-will, materialism, and pride-or the way of Christ: humility, truth, and self-sacrificing love.
When we refuse to let Christ reign in our hearts, we risk becoming enslaved to our own passions or placing our trust in earthly powers. To acknowledge Jesus as King means inviting Him into every part of our lives: our time, intellect, finances, decisions, and relationships.
Conclusion: The Invitation to Bow the Knee
The Solemnity of Christ the King reminds us that history has a destination. Empires rise and fall, and earthly leaders come and go, but the Kingdom of Jesus Christ will never pass away.
As the Church teaches, Saint John Paul II proclaimed, and Fulton Sheen illuminated, Christ is no distant or oppressive ruler. He reigns from a throne of mercy, inviting every soul to freely embrace His sovereignty.
When we surrender our lives to His loving authority, we discover true freedom, lasting peace, and a hope that transcends the concerns of this world. Which aspect of Christ's kingship resonates most deeply with you: His authority over all creation, His sacrifice on the Cross, or His reign within your heart?
Peace, through Forgiveness and Love.
