Pope Benedict XVI said in an Angelus for this day in 2012: ‘This Solemnity comes at the end of the liturgical year and sums up the mystery of Jesus “firstborn from the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth”, broadening our gaze towards the complete fulfilment of the Kingdom of God, when God will be everything to everyone. St Cyril of Jerusalem said: “We preach not one advent only of Christ, but a second also, far more glorious than the former. For the former gave a view of his patience; but the latter brings with it the crown of a divine kingdom… in his second, He comes attended by a host of Angels, receiving glory”’.

Christ is the King of unequalled power; He is also the King of gentleness, to whom we pray that He may possess our hearts and souls entirely. Not for nothing is the King shown with the Sacred Wounds on His Hands, and His Sacred Heart afire with love for us.

May He bless us this day and guide us forward in our journey, receiving us with joy at the last.