Feast of Christ the King
Ithis democratic part of the world, this country is one of the few which still appreciates the value of kingship. We would be making the mistake of the Jews, including the apostles, if we equate the rule of Christ with the rule of anyone who holds power be they King. Dictator or President. For Christ's rule is different. It is an individual thing as well as being universal. The popular " tours" of the world leaders are but feeble attempts to present themselves before the people they rule. In some cases they rely on the party machine to put them in power and keep them in power. Christ has no party machine but relies on the appeal He Himself can make to the heart of each individual. It is the rule that love imposes and requires the surrender that love demands. It is Christ who has surrendered first. with the meekness of the "lamb who was slain". It is because of this that He is " worthy to revive power, and divinity, and wisdom, and strength and honour ". (Introit.) THE Prophets of Gloom, so recently condemned by the Pope, are those who have not surrendered to the Iamb. They have forgotten that Christ rules all creation and is capable of bringing forth from it the riches which God created for our benefit. If they see nothing but danger they have forgotten that death itself holds no sway because Chrtiet is " the first born from the dead ". (Epistle.) Any country depends for its stability on the universal acceptance of the government by at least the most powerful groups within that country. Christ's rule depends on our acceptance of His teaching not only with the mind but with our whole being. He does not ask for the sort of surrender we make to an enemy who hits been powerful enough to conquer but the surrender of one lever to another. "Whoever belongs to the truth, hears by voice." (Gospel.) It is when we fail to hear that voice that we fall into gloom for it is a voice that promises so much hoppinees and peaces a kingdom of justice and love. (Preface.) THEPore who is always smiling, is not unconscious of the troubles of the world. No one. it is said, is better informed about world affairs. The Popes have always been the first to warn the world of the dangers which are likek to destroy peace. They ere conscious of history. Yet Pope John still smiles. How can he who is the vicar on earth IA the King in Kings do otherwise. For " His power , . . His kingdom shall not he destroyed ". (Gradual.)
Fr. PASCHAL O.F.M. CAP.