The Feast of Christ the King

Today we close the liturgical year with the Feast of Christ the King, including the triumphalist reading from Revelation (which was almost left out of the canon).

There are three ways to understand the kingship of Christ in our lives. The one we emphasize is telling.

The first is that our King is not of this world and we must not be of this world either. With this emphasis the moral imperative is to avoid the taint of sin at all costs. We must also not associate with the sinful. Those who feel this way seem to have strong negative feelings about Barack Obama.

The second is that the Kingship of Christ means that we must be Christ to others - that we must fulfill his mission on earth, primarily his mission of charity. In other words, we must bring about the Kingdom of God in both our personal lives and in our politics. Those who feel this way are more likely to support the President, knowing that his economic policies reflect the Christian message.

Of course, the answer is that both views are correct and that we must both avoid sin and do good works - as well as supporting a more just society. I lean more heavily toward the second side, as do progressives. As society evolves, hopefully that which divides us will be minimized and that which unites us will be increased. Indeed, this is the ultimate message of this feast, that we are all one under Christ, Jesus. It is ultimately a feast of communion and unity. Let us celebrate that promise. Happy Feast Day!