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November 20, 2020We ask this question often - sports, elections, competitions. What about good versus evil? What about the ultimate victory of life with God versus eternal separation from God?
The Solemnity of Christ the King celebrates the ultimate victory of Jesus over evil. The Church began to celebrate Christ the King at a time when atheistic socialist governments seemed to be winning by restricting or eliminating the role of the Church in their countries. With this feast we worship Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe, who has already won the victory over evil, sin and death. Jesus is conquering evil, sin and death now through his Church until the end. As St. Paul says, “Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father, when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power” (1 Cor 15:24). How does Jesus win this victory? The Cross. We will win in the same way, united with Jesus on the cross.
No matter what happens in the world, our faith in Jesus must be the heart of our identity. This faith gets tested in trials and in success. In trials we can live in doubt wondering where is God or we can kiss the cross and trust in Jesus. In success we can get attached to money, honor, pleasure, power, etc. and leave Jesus. Today Jesus reminds us that trials and success in this world will end; the Kingdom of Jesus does not end.
These days when the powerful of the world dismiss Catholics for their loyalty to a higher truth and Christian teaching as hate speech, we need to turn to Jesus asking him to deepen our faith. For an inspirational movie about this, watch “For Greater Glory.” Viva Cristo Rey!