Earlier this month I happened to be in New York on the day of the US election. While walking down 5th Avenue I was struck by a large billboard declaring: ‘We need a new King!’
This was not, as I initially thought, a belated expression of regret for the rejection of British rule in 1776, or a plea for a radical third candidate for the presidency. Instead the advertisement had been placed by a local church, encouraging the citizens of New York to embrace Christ as their sovereign.
I recall feeling at the time that the concept of kingship, with its modern connotations of unelected hereditary power, did not immediately fit the image of Jesus as the humble servant who died for the sins of humankind.
When asked to produce my debut copy for this week’s newsletter, to be published on the Feast of Christ the King, I resolved to understand the reasons why churches solemnise this Sunday in such a monarchical manner.
The answer, which seems prescient for the times in which we live, is that the Feast was created by Pope Pius XI in 1925 in his encyclical Quas Primas to counter the rise of nationalism, materialism and the falsity of populist promises, by affirming the ultimate authority of Christ over all creation.
This reign is not secured by the capricious exercise of despotic power, but by the example of service and sacrifice, leading to redemption and resurrection. Adopted by the Anglican Church towards the end of the 20th century, the Feast marks the end of the liturgical year. This allows us to reaffirm and reflect on our commitment to follow Christ’s example in our lives, no matter the turbulence that may surround us, as we prepare vigilantly to watch and wait through Advent.
Matthew Morrison
