How Jesus Is King Over Everyone, Even Atheists

Not that anyone could tell after Bugnini & Co got done emasculating the Feast and Paul VI changed its date to the end of the Liturgical Year!

From Aleteia

By Philip Kosloski

Whether we like it or not, Jesus is King of the Universe, and reigns over us with a heart pierced with love.

While many Christians recognize Jesus as King over their own personal lives, they might not think or realize that his kingship extends far beyond that.

The reality is that it's certainly good to accept Jesus as King in a personal way, but at the same time, he is King over us whether we want him to be or not.

His kingship is not dependent on us inviting him into our lives, though ultimately that is his preferred method of ruling.

King of the Universe

The official title of the last Sunday in Ordinary time is the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. It expresses the idea that Jesus is not only the King of the Catholic Church, but the King over everybody, even athiests.

Pope Pius XI affirmed this idea in his encyclical Quas Primas:

Thus the empire of our Redeemer embraces all men. To use the words of Our immortal predecessor, Pope Leo XIII: "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."

For some people, the thought of a king reigning over them seems oppressive, especially for those living in the United States, a country that has a long history of opposition to kings.

Yet, Jesus' kingship is not like any political leader the earth has ever seen. Jesus reigns in a much different way, inviting his "subjects" to a great wedding feast, where they can experience the love that endlessly pours out from this heart.

His rule was expressed most profoundly when he sacrificed his life on the cross.

Jesus is a king like none other and it is hoped that someday all will recognize his sovereignty and when that happens, peace will endure, as Pope Pius XI explains:

Oh, what happiness would be Ours if all men, individuals, families, and nations, would but let themselves be governed by Christ! "Then at length," to use the words addressed by our predecessor, Pope Leo XIII, twenty-five years ago to the bishops of the Universal Church, "then at length will many evils be cured; then will the law regain its former authority; peace with all its blessings be restored. Men will sheathe their swords and lay down their arms when all freely acknowledge and obey the authority of Christ, and every tongue confesses that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father."

Jesus is our King, whether we like it or not. The good news is that when we accept his kingship, we will finally be able to feel the warmth of his love that he keeps trying to pour out upon us.