November 2009 Music

This year, the Feast of the Reign of Christ (formerly called Christ the King Sunday) falls on November 22. It signifies the end of another liturgical year in our journey through the drama of the life of Christ and reminds us that Christ is our ultimate authority. You may be surprised, just as I was, to learn that its designation as a major feast day is fairly recent. Pope Pius XI instituted it in 1925 because he was concerned about the state of the world and its rising secularism. In his encyclical letter, "Quas Primus," the Pope said he believed that “as long as individuals and states refused to submit to the rule of our Saviour, there would be no really hopeful prospect of a lasting peace among nations.” Further in that letter, he outlined his hopes for the institution of this feast. Some of these hopes included:

1. That the faithful would gain strength and courage from the celebration of the feast, reminding us that Christ must reign in our hearts, minds, wills, and bodies.
2. That world leaders would see that they are bound to give public honour and respect to Christ.
3. That all would see that the Church has the right to freedom, and immunity from the state.

One can't help wondering if Pius XI foresaw that the world would allow the rise of oppressive dictators such as Benito Mussolini, Adolph Hitler, Idi Amin, and Saddam Hussein, who saw themselves as supreme rulers; or the rise of destructive cults like those led by Jim Jones and David Koresh, who believed themselves to be a prophet and the reincarnation of Jesus Christ; or even society’s seemingly harmless veneration and labelling of entertainment icons like Elvis Presley, “The King of Rock and Roll” and Michael Jackson, "The King of Pop."

In light of this information, I feel that I have a better appreciation of this feast and its importance in our Christian life. And, as a musician, the words of the hymns we sing take on much deeper meaning for me, moving beyond the gender-specific or patriarchal terminology, of which some people take issue. For this one day a year I think it is entirely appropriate that words like King and Lord are used to describe Jesus. For me, they do not negate other images, such as servant, shepherd, friend and comforter, but add to his many dimensions.

If you check the subject index at the back of Common Praise you will find that there are a number of wonderful hymn suggestions under "Reign of Christ." Among these are some of my favourites. "Rejoice the Lord is King" (379) has a wonderful tune and descant (especially if you use the Darwall one) with an uplifting last verse that speaks of hope in the resurrection. It is also a great hymn for the end of a funeral and for Easter. "King of Love, O Christ We Crown You" (451) speaks of Jesus in loving and benevolent terms, as does "Crown Him with Many Crowns" (378) — Lord of life, peace and love, as well as Lamb upon the throne and Redeemer. These three hymns are all quite majestic, but if you are looking for something gentler, I would recommend "Jesus Shall Reign Where'er the Sun" (383).

Whatever your preferences are regarding terminology or music, keep in mind that this is a day to remember that Christ must come first in our lives. What better way is there to do this than to lift our voices in song, especially since this year, the Reign of Christ coincides with the Feast of St. Cecilia, Patron Saint of Church Music. (But that is next November’s article!)