Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
 
     In two weeks, we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, which marks the end of Liturgical “Year C.” We begin Liturgical “Year A” on Sunday, December 1st, which also begins Advent. But before we think ahead to Advent and the Christmas season, let's not overlook the significance of the Feast of Christ the King.
 
     Pope Pius XI instituted this feast on December 11, 1925, in his encyclical Quas Primas (On the Kingship of Christ). In his encyclical, Pope Pius called to mind Pope Leo XIII’s words that Christ's kingdom embraces all people: "His empire includes not only Catholic nations, not only baptized persons who, though of right belonging to the Church, have been led astray by error, or have been cut off from her by schism, 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." Pope Pius goes on to say: "Nor is there any difference in this matter between the individual and the family or the State; for all men, whether collectively or individually, are under the dominion of Christ. In him is the salvation of the individual, in him is the salvation of society."
 
     As Catholics we believe that Christ is King and has dominion over all created things. We also believe that salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. Indeed, Jesus tells us that he is the way and the truth and the life, and that no one enters eternal life with the Father except through him (cf. John 14:6). So, if we want our lives to be well-ordered and to have peace, justice and harmony in society, then we must work to build a kingdom of love. And this kingdom of love can only be ruled by Love himself, our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the Gospel we preach and live.
 
    However, in the day-to-day reality of our lives, do we really believe that Christ reigns in our lives and in our society? Do we really live as if the Gospel is true? Do we allow Jesus to direct and order our personal lives toward all that is true and good, or do we hold on to errors, vices, and the worship of false gods, false kings like other people, things, power, money, possessions, sports, entertainment, ideologies, and illicit pleasures? Do we trust in Jesus for our needs or for our growth in the Christian life, or are we self-reliant and prideful? Instead of trusting in the power of God's grace to heal and transform us, do we trust more in our own strength, our own ideas, in our own ways of doing things? Are we trying to build up the Church, or are we halfhearted in the practice of our faith, skipping Mass on Sunday and other holy days of obligation for no serious reason? Are we indifferent to the needs of others, especially the outcast and the poor? Do we support ideologies, laws or policies that arcontrary to the dignity of the human person and to God’s plan for life, marriage, and the family — things like birth control, contraception, same-sex marriage, invitro fertilization, to name a few? Do we support laws and policies that attack innocent human life through abortion, euthanasia, or assisted suicide? Do we encourage war, violence, and abuse to others because of racism, fear, or anger? These are vital questions and matters about which we should reflect and pray because they have eternal consequence.
 
     Only in Christ can we build a kingdom, a civilization of love. And as children of God and heirs to the promises of Christ, we can prepare for the upcoming Solemnity of Christ the King by prayerful reflecting on our role in our Lord’s kingdom. What is Jesus asking of us? What is he calling each of us to do to change our way of thinking and living for the better? What does he want from each of us to help build up his kingdom of peace and justice?
 
     Jesus can do so much more in our lives than we can ever imagine, but we have to let him rule our hearts and minds. We have to invite him into our lives. We must humbly submit to his wisdom and governance over all aspects of our life whether we are called to a life of marriage and family, or a life consecrated to service in the Church as a priest, deacon or religious brother or sister. But again, Christ must have authority over all aspects of our life: careers, business, politics, law, communities, nations, and even our times of leisure and relaxation. For only under the power and authority of Christ will the world know true freedom, order, justice, peace, and harmony.
 
     Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. And our Lord is inviting us to rekindle that unbelievable bond of friendship with him. So, let us not delay but embrace our sovereign King. By his Paschal Mystery, Jesus opened for us the way to eternal life, may our response be a generous heart, open mind, and loyalty to his Kingship. May the good Lord fill us with courage to daily live out our faith in bold confidence, sharing that same faith with others, both in word and deed. Finally, let us daily open wide our hearts to God’s love — a love that transcends time, space and boundaries; a love that embraces all people.