The political climate in the early 20th century was dire. World War I – the so-called Great War – tore Europe apart from 1914 through 1918. Postwar peace was tenuous, and elements were in place that would eventually lead to the Second World War.
Pope Pius XI, alarmed by the long shadow of unrest that permeated the world, issued an encyclical letter in 1925, Quas Primas, in which he presented Jesus Christ as the Lord of the nations, whose people shared a common embrace in the Kingdom of God. As an annual reminder of the sovereignty of the Son of God, Pope Pius established the Feast of Christ the King, originally celebrated on the last Sunday of October.
In 1969, Pope Paul VI gave the feast a new rank and title: Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. He also gave it more prominence by placing it as the final Sunday of the liturgical year, thus linking this solemnity to the “end times” teaching of these final Sundays.
Today’s Gospel places us right in the middle of the crucifixion of Jesus! Is this odd for late November, as we head into Advent and Christmas? Not really. Remember, for the past several months of Ordinary Time, the Gospel of Luke has focused exclusively on Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem to meet his destiny with the Cross. The Passion and death of Jesus is not something that we celebrate only on Holy Week. It lies at the heart of our faith.
The placement of this Gospel today also jars us into remembering that Jesus has a very different notion of kingship from the world’s views on royalty. This has been a consistent teaching of Luke from the beginning of his gospel, when Jesus was born not in royal trappings but in poverty. Today, we are reminded that Jesus wore not a crown bedecked with jewels but, rather, a crown of thorns.
The early Church would need to broaden its appeal beyond its Jewish roots, and Saint Paul was able to do that remarkably in the Second Reading with his teaching on Christ as the firstborn of all creation who reconciles the world to himself. This was very appealing to the Gentiles who were seeking divine wisdom, and the hymn in the first chapter of Colossians sings eloquently of that. Note especially Verse 12: “He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Thus, Jesus Christ is King not only of the Jews, not only of the Gentiles, but of the entire universe. Yet he is a personal Lord who has walked in our shoes and understands our suffering since he himself suffered on the Cross. And he is the mighty Lord whose Spirit permeates all creation, binds us together, and lifts us up from our petty earthly divisions to our glorious fulfillment in the Kingdom of God.-
Christ the King Entrance Antiphon How Worthy Is the Lamb (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice # 201
Today’s Entrance Antiphon is taken from Revelation 5:12: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and divinity, and wisdom and strength and honor.” Jesus is a meek King whose death opened to us a share in his divine life.
Entrance Chant Hymn to Christ the King (Sarah Hart, Josh Blakesley, Sarah Kroger and Ike Ndolo)
Breaking Bread #715
Utilizing traditional structure, this contemporary hymn sings in praise of our crucified King whose wounds heal our wounds through his mercy and forgiveness.
Responsorial Psalm Let Us Go Rejoicing (Steve Angrisano)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 364
Steve Angrisano’s joyful verbatim setting of Psalm 122 responds to the First Reading’s story of the anointing of King David from the Second Book of Samuel.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Misa del Mundo (Jesse Manibusan and Tony Gomez)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 366
This acclamation text from Mark 11 is from the cries of “Hosanna” as Jesus entered triumphantly into Jerusalem to fulfill his destiny as the crucified King.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Jesus Christ Is Lord (Ken Canedo)
Spirit & Song #195
Based on Saint Paul’s “Christ Hymn” from Philippians 2:6-11, this modern setting is a prayerful reflection on the kingship of Christ.
Christ the King Communion Antiphon The Lord Sits as King Forever (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #202
The setting of this antiphon text from Psalm 29 is a pensive reminder that Christ our King leads us to the peace that only he can give.
Communion Chant Your Kingdom Is Glorious (Jackie Francois)
Spirit & Song #198
In this contemporary ballad to Christ the King, notice how the bridge references the prayer of the good thief from today's Gospel.
Sending Forth May Your Kingdom Come (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart, Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Song #328
This spirited song sends us forth from this liturgy to proclaim the Kingdom of God. “May your Kingdom come that justice may reign!”
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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