The last Sunday of October is the traditional Feast of Christ the King. Pope Pius XI instituted this significant celebration for a lasting peace among the nations, in the encyclical Quas Primas, he explained:
”7. It has long been a common custom to give to Christ the metaphorical title of “King,” because of the high degree of perfection whereby he excels all creatures. So he is said to reign “in the hearts of men,” both by reason of the keenness of his intellect and the extent of his knowledge, and also because he is very truth, and it is from him that truth must be obediently received by all mankind. He reigns, too, in the wills of men, for in him the human will was perfectly and entirely obedient to the Holy Will of God, and further by his grace and inspiration he so subjects our free-will as to incite us to the most noble endeavors.”
Christus vincit! Christus regnat! Christus imperat!
In 1969, this great Solemnity was moved from October to the last Sunday in November. This change gives opportunity to ponder the theological significance of the anticipation of Advent which is the awaiting of the promised Messiah i.e. of God’s promised King. Philosophically, we can ponder the significance of our deep desire and longing for truth. While not everbody knows to wait to Christ, we all long for truth. Those who search for truth without duplicity already serve Him, already long for His grace.