Solemnity of Christ the King

“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
? C.S. Lewis (November 29, 1898, through November 22, 1963.)

This quote from C.S. Lewis has impacted my life immensely. I have meditated on the statement frequently and have used the quote numerous times in my own presentations and teachings during retreats and workshops. If Jesus Christ is the King of kings and Lord of lords, our relationship with Him must be the most important thing in our lives.

How many of us are truly making that relationship with Christ a priority in our lives? Thinking about this quote from C.S. Lewis always reminds me of the Scripture verses related to being lukewarm. (See Revelation 3: 15-16) I frequently challenge retreat attendees to reflect upon these words from Sacred Scripture. I tell them that I can make an assumption about them since they are giving up their time to attend a retreat, workshop, or day of recollection. I know that they are not cold regarding their relationship with Christ. They would not be giving up their time in this manner if they were uninterested and indifferent about their relationship with God. The question now becomes a bit more daunting. Are you on fire with love for the Lord, or are you simply lukewarm? The consequences of being lukewarm are frightful.

As we enter the final week of one liturgical year and prepare to embark upon a new one, let us pray for a fresh fire to be ignited within us. May the Holy Spirit truly penetrate our inmost beings and set us on fire with love of God!