Sunday, November 24, 2024 is the Solemnity of Christ the King. The Liturgical feast was added to the Church calendar in 1925, when Pope Pius XI instituted it with his encyclical Quas Primas. Upon seeing the social and political culture of the 1920s devolve, Pope Pius XI felt that he needed to remind the Church and the world that there is only one King, and that King is not only the King of Catholics, He is the King of humanity, of the entire Universe. In his encyclical letter, Pope Pius quotes Pope Leo XIII who said in his encyclical on the Sacred Heart, Annum Sacrum, “[Christ’s] empire, includes not only Catholic nations, not only baptised persons…but also all those who are outside the Christian faith; so that truly the whole of mankind is subject to the power of Jesus Christ.” BETTY AMUKPO tasks some children on proclaiming the kingship of Jesus to the entire universe. Excerpts:
‘I’ll proclaim the Kingship of Jesus by first attending the Holy Mass’
When we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, we declare to the world and remind ourselves that Jesus is the Lord of the Church and of the entire universe (Revelation 19:16). I’ll proclaim the Kingship of Jesus by first attending the Holy Mass, prepare a sumptuous meal with my family, join in the procession of my Parish to sing, dance and pray along the streets as Christ is being exposed in the Blessed Sacrament. The most important way to proclaim him is to pray and live the way he lived (John 13:13). This act of connection with God is always the priority! Pope Pius XI instituted this feast in 1925.
• Promise Anyikaeme
‘I will share His love through acts of kindness and service’
To proclaim Jesus as King to the universe, I will share His love through acts of kindness and service, reflecting His teachings. “For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:45). I will also live by His truth, declaring, “Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:11).
• Ogoke Chimamanda Anthonia
‘Proclaiming the kingship of Jesus is to announce His sovereignty’
The Bible presents Jesus as the eternal King, whose reign extends over all realms -heaven, earth, and the spiritual world. Through His death, resurrection, and exaltation, Jesus has been given all authority, and He will rule forever. Proclaiming the kingship of Jesus is to announce His sovereignty, not just in a religious sense, but as the universal ruler who holds all things in His hands. As believers, we are called to declare this truth to all creation. Revelation 19:16, Mathew 28:18, Luke 1:32- 33, Colossians 1:16 -17.
• Asia Yoochi Laura
‘By living in faithful submission to Him, proclaim His words to people’
First, as Christians, we should proclaim the kingship of Jesus to the universe by living in faithful submission to Him, proclaim His words to people, giving up our personal rights and obeying Him always. I will proclaim the kingship of Jesus to the universe by act of worship, commitment to His Gospel and charity to the Needy. 1Timothy 6:15-15, God will bring about in His own time, God the Blessed and Ruler, the King of kings and the Lord of Lords.
• Umennadi Francis Chibunna
‘Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ’
Jesus is the king of humility and simplicity. By the manner of our lives and our commitment to the word of God. I will proclaim the kingship of Jesus to the whole world by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. I will live a life of worship and commitment to His word because, Jesus is the king of humility, peace, joy and simplicity. God’s kingship implies His authority and power to fight the forces of evil, to liberate and lead His people to eternal salvation.
• Anita Chima
‘By the manner of our lives and our commitment’
Every Christian has the opportunity to make the same proclamation, not in mockery, but as an act of worship. By the manner of our lives and our commitment to the Gospel, we announce to all the world the joy and freedom that come from submitting ourselves to the sweet dominion of Christ the King. Jesus Christ is directly given the title: “King of kings and Lord of lords” twice in the Scriptures (Revelation 17:14; 19:16). To be a king means to have power and sovereignty. To be King over all kings is to have all the power and sovereignty. Jesus is the omnipotent king of heaven and earth. Means both that He will seek peace, welfare, and justice among his people, and that He has the right to define the rule and order by which His people live. I will live daily the Christ-like life by showing love, respect and being obedient in proclaiming the kingship of Jesus to the universe.
• Okononfua Bryan
