This solemnity is celebrated to emphasize the Kingship of Christ and to extol His authority over all   creation. It is interesting that we celebrate this solemnity on the last Sunday of Ordinary Time and right before the beginning of the Season of Advent; and immediately after all the hoopla of the US presidential elections. A little perspective here for our human condition. 

Historical Background: Established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 by his encyclical “Quas Primas,” it was   created in response to a growing secularism and the diminishing influence of the Church in the public arena. The pontiff wanted to remind the faithful that Christ is the ultimate authority and king, not only in a spiritual sense but also in the moral and social order.   
Themes of the Solemnity: Kingship of Christ—He is one not of dominion but rather of love, service and sacrifice; Universal authority—Christ reigns over all aspects of our lives—political, social, and personal spheres; Eschatological Perspective—reminds the believers that He has the final victory of sin and death, to encourage belief in the Hope of what is to come; and, Call to Action—we are all called to act in ways that reflect the values of Christ: justice, peace and love for others.   

Liturgically: This solemnity includes special prayers, readings and hymns that reflect the nature of Christ’s kingship—the psalms proclaim God’s sovereignty and the readings are about the Last Judgement. 

In the end…no pun intended…we are called to see this solemnity as a way to acknowledge Christ’s reign in our own lives and to live out our faith actively, for the good of others as well as for the good of our own soul. We are called to recognize His authority in all aspects of our lives and that we are called to participate in the building up of His Kingdom in the here-and-now.