ANTIPOLO City — As we celebrate the Catholic’s liturgical seasons in cycle, today’s Solemnity of Christ the King marks an end and start of a season.
This day symbolizes the end of the Ordinary Time. In this celebration, we are being reminded of Jesus Christ’s Journey from suffering to His Kingship.
Antipolo Bishop Francis De Leon says, “Christ, through his death and resurrection, has triumphed and is made King of the Universe. If we accept him as our King, we should live his values or command—love of God and neighbor.”
During today’s Eucharistic celebration, you’ll see mass presiders in white vestment.
According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) No. 346(a):
“White is used in the offices and masses during the seasons of Easter and Christmas; also on celebrations of the Lord, other than of His passion; on celebrations of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the angels, saints who were not martyrs; on the solemnity of All Saints (November 1); the feasts of the Birth of John the Baptist (June 24), John, apostle, evangelist (December 27), the Chair of Peter (February 22), and the Conversion of Paul (January 25).”
However, the “White” will be replaced by “Violet” during the following Sundays. It is because the Solemnity of Christ the King is then followed by the start of the Advent Season.
GIRM No. 346 also states that: “Violet is used in Advent and Lent. It may also be worn in Offices and Masses for the dead.”
Moreover, aside from the color of the presider’s vestment, there is another factor that must be observed by the members of the Church Choir as well as the faithful.
During the Solemnity of Christ the King is the last time to sing the “Gloria!” within the liturgical season of the Ordinary Time.
GIRM No. 53 says, “Gloria is a very ancient and venerable hymn in which the Church, gathered together in the Holy Spirit, glorifies and entreats God the Father and the Lamb…”
“It is sung or said on Sundays outside the Seasons of ADVENT and Lent, on solemnities and feasts, and at special celebrations of a more solemn character.”
More so, GIRM No. 313 reminds all Choirs to use musical instruments in moderation:
“In Advent, the organ and other musical instruments should be used in moderation that is consistent with the season’s character and does not anticipate the full Joy of the Nativity of the Lord.”
Evidently, the celebration of the Solemnity of Christ the King signifies us for the changes that we are supposed to adopt as also provided by the Roman Missal.
But on a personal level, what are you willing to change in preparation to the birth of the child who would then be hailed as Christ the King?
