THE FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING: Christ the King Catholic Church, Teone, Funafuti, Tuvalu

On November 24, 2024, as we celebrate the feast of Christ the King, we will gather on that Sunday to reflect deeply on what it means for Christ to be the patron of the Mission Sui Iuris of Funafuti. This feast, marking the final Sunday of the liturgical year, is a powerful reminder of our calling to proclaim Jesus Christ as the true and eternal King. As a community of faith in Funafuti, we stand at the intersection of profound challenges and unique opportunities to manifest Christ’s reign of love, justice, and peace. Let us delve into the meaning of this feast for our mission and allow it to shape our vision and dedication.

The Nature of Christ’s Kingship

The kingship of Jesus is unlike any earthly rule. He is not a king who rules with military might, wealth, or political power. Instead, He is a king who reigns with humility, compassion, and a heart wholly given to others. His kingdom, therefore, is one of service and sacrifice, established not through domination but through the ultimate act of love on the cross. This feast invites us to meditate on a kingship that calls us to emulate Christ’s way of self-giving love and humble leadership.

For us in Funafuti, where resources are scarce and life often reflects simplicity rather than grandeur, Christ the King serves as a perfect patron. We do not need grand buildings, riches, or visible power to carry out our mission. Instead, we need only a heart dedicated to service and a faith that recognizes the sovereignty of Jesus over all creation. In our daily lives, Christ’s kingship asks us to serve one another, especially those who are most vulnerable, embodying His love in our actions, words, and relationships.

Christ’s Kingdom of Justice and Peace

As we look around the world today, we see the need for Christ’s kingdom of justice and peace more than ever. Our mission in Funafuti is set in a world where divisions, inequalities, and ecological challenges threaten both human life and the environment. Christ the King reminds us that His kingdom is not one of passive spirituality but one that actively seeks justice, peace, and the flourishing of all creation.

For the people of Funafuti, situated on an island highly vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels, the call to build Christ’s kingdom includes a special commitment to creation. As stewards of the earth, we honor Christ as King by caring for the land and waters He has entrusted to us. In doing so, we become part of His divine work of restoration, acting as guardians of the planet and advocates for policies that protect the environment. Our efforts to preserve and respect creation are not just practical tasks but acts of worship, honoring Christ’s kingship over all creation.

Missionary Call to Proclaim the King

The mandate to proclaim Jesus as Lord is at the heart of our identity as a Mission Sui Iuris. Jesus’s last words to His disciples were, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This great commission compels us to be ambassadors of His kingdom, sharing the good news of salvation with every person we encounter. In Funafuti, where our community is small but filled with faith, this missionary call requires us to be witnesses of hope, bringing Christ’s light to all corners of our island.

Our missionary activity is not limited to preaching but encompasses every act of kindness, every moment of forgiveness, and every service we render in Christ’s name. We are called to embody His love in such a way that those around us recognize something greater than ourselves—the presence of the living Christ. Through our example, others can come to see that our true allegiance is to a kingdom not of this world, a kingdom where all are invited to find peace, dignity, and purpose.

A Community Built on Trust and Hope

Christ the King, as the patron of our mission, calls us to place our trust in His providence. In a small, remote mission like Funafuti, we face limitations in resources, personnel, and infrastructure. Yet, the kingship of Christ reminds us that our strength does not come from earthly means but from our unwavering faith in the Lord’s guidance. Trusting in Christ’s kingship means letting go of the desire to control outcomes and surrendering to His will, knowing that He is with us in every struggle and every moment of need.

This trust also strengthens our hope. The reign of Christ is already present among us but is also a kingdom still to come in its fullness. As we face the challenges of our mission, we do so with the assurance that Christ will one day bring about a new creation where every tear is wiped away, every injustice is righted, and every longing is fulfilled. This hope sustains us in our work, reminding us that, despite any hardships, Christ’s victory is certain, and His love will ultimately prevail.

Unity in Diversity: Building a Kingdom of Peace

The kingdom of Christ is one where all are invited to unity in diversity, where barriers between people are broken down, and where every culture and language can find a home. Our mission in Funafuti, though small, embodies this universal call to unity. As a community, we are united not by nationality or language but by our shared faith in Christ. This unity calls us to welcome everyone, to foster a spirit of inclusiveness, and to create a space where all can experience the love of God.

On this feast of Christ the King, we are reminded that our mission is part of the global Church. We are not isolated; rather, we are connected with millions of other believers around the world who celebrate this feast with us. This communion with the universal Church strengthens our mission, reminding us that we are part of something far greater than ourselves—a kingdom that spans time and space, united under the Lordship of Christ.

Conclusion: Living as Citizens of Christ’s Kingdom

The feast of Christ the King on November 24, 2024, is a powerful reminder of our identity and purpose as a mission community in Funafuti. We are called to live as citizens of Christ’s kingdom, to bear witness to His love, justice, and peace, and to serve one another as Christ has served us. As we honor Christ as our patron and king, let us recommit ourselves to building His kingdom in our midst. This means living with hearts fully surrendered to His will, trusting in His guidance, and embodying His compassion in all that we do.

May this feast inspire us to deepen our faith, renew our hope, and strengthen our commitment to the mission entrusted to us. And as we look toward the future, let us go forth with confidence, knowing that our King is with us and that His reign will one day be established in its fullness. In Funafuti, as in every corner of the world, may the kingdom of Christ the King come to life through our witness, our service, and our love.