As Christians around the world prepare for Christmas, which is the birthday of Jesus Christ the King, the last Sunday of the liturgical year is designated for this purpose.
Today, Sunday November 26, 2023, will take place this year the solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe for many Christians.
According to New Ways Ministry in Maryland, USA, the term is “frequently used by churches and Christians to pontificate on secularism, patriotism, and political leadership.”
White Christians have too often interpreted the concept of “Christ the King” to justify forcing the United States to “submit to the kingship of Christ.”
Explaining the kingship of Christ, the Church on its website quoted the Rev. Elle Dowd as saying: “(T)he solemnity of Christ the King was established fairly recently by Pope Pius XI in 1925 in response to the growing threat of rise in power of Christ. of fascism in Europe before the Second World War.
“At the time, the authoritarian leaders of fascist regimes were cast as powerful demigods, and the Roman Catholic Church created this holy day in an effort to reclaim the power of the Church.
“If this holiday tells us anything, it is this: fascism is diametrically opposed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The reign of Jesus Christ stands firmly against the murderous policies of tyrants and fascists.
He also spoke of the relevance of Jesus in one of the teachings of the Bible, saying: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed. me, sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me… Amen, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of my (brothers and sisters), you did for me.
“These words stand in stark contrast to the hoarding of power and resources, xenophobia, degradation of the poor, inadequate health care, and dehumanizing systems of incarceration and punishment, which were as much a hallmark of Jesus’ day as of ours.
“It is worth remembering that, just like LGBTQ+ people today, Jesus, a Jew from Galilee, was himself a victim of fascism and nationalism at the hands of the oppressive Roman Empire.
“In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that his authority is not the way of this world, nor the way by which our very human minds are turned away from what is right and just when tempted by power and comfort. Rather, Jesus’ authority – which should also be ours – is God’s dream of goodness, justice and peace for all.
