Solemnity of Christ the King

Today is the last Sunday in Ordinary Time in the Liturgical Calendar of the Church. This day is particularly dedicated to the Kingship of Jesus which was proclaimed by Pope Pius XI summoning the whole Universal Church of Christ to celebrate this day with utmost joy and holiness (Read: EWTN) of which every faithful should be thankful to God and the Church.

Philippines is not a monarchial form of government. Ours is the Presidential form of government just like many Western countries exercising election through the ballots. Ours has a long history of corruption and betrayal and to this day, we’ve ranked almost at the top as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. We as a people failed to united behind a seating president and we distrust our government officials chilling our spines.

I don't hate our present president. I believe we deserve to have her. I don't want to be like Myanmar, or Iran, or Cuba who are suppresing the freedom of their own people. If there is monarch I truly am grateful for is King Abdullah and Queen Rania of Jordan. Unlike most of royal families in the Arab world, King Abdullah has only one wife whom he truly offers his dedication as a loving husband and father to his smart children.

Similarly, Queen Rania on the other hand has crossed the borders of indifference by visiting orphanages, charity houses, convents, children hospices, schools and attended world forums that tackle the protection of environment, equality of rights (though she’s a Muslim by faith), health awareness through responsible parenthood (not safe sex), religious tolerance and many other.

Earthly Kings and Queens like them captured our utmost appreciation and love. And in return, we pledge our utmost loyalty and allegiance to their governance. That's how to live in a monarchial government.

From this idea, I can relate to the Solemnity of Christ the King just as how I truly love the monarchs of Jordan. I feel that by taking Jesus as my King (and Lord), I have ceased to be free except than to love, honor and obey him and pledge my allegiance him alone.

Pope Pius XI’s declaration of the Last Sunday in Ordinary Time as the Feast of Christ the King truly makes all Christians renew their allegiance to his Majesty, correct their lives according to the directives of this loving King, show love and charity to those in need regardless of their color, race, gender, social status, or faith—just seeing Christ in them. The same King who humbly offered his life for the expiation of our sins is asking every Christian to take up his own cross and follow his footsteps.

Today, the Church is asking every Christian to heed Christ’s commandments—to love. A love that doesn’t distinguish colors, race, genders, social status, faiths but simply love—no question asked.

As my gift to Christ my King, I sought his forgiveness through the Sacrament of Penance. Now, I have renewed my allegiance to him and pray that by his constant loving mercy he would keep me safe and my loved ones—through my guardian angel whom I named Joshua.

Hail! Jesus! King of the Universe!