Does Christ’s kingship extend beyond our private spiritual lives? In this sermon for the Feast of Christ the King, Fr. Chad Ripperger argues that Christ’s sovereignty encompasses both the supernatural and natural orders—including morality, government, and public life.
Father examines ways he believes individuals and societies deny Christ’s authority. Drawing on his interpretation of papal teaching, particularly Pope Leo XIII’s Libertas, he discusses Church–state relations, freedom of speech, religious liberty, public worship, and the obligations of Catholic politicians.
The sermon also presents his theological arguments concerning the Church’s authority, the relationship between the Old and New Covenants, and the distinction between religious toleration and a claimed right to public worship.
The concluding reflection calls Catholics to live according to God’s commandments, engage public life with prudence, and look toward the definitive fulfillment of Christ’s kingdom at the final judgment.
00:00 Opening sponsor: Deliverance Malbec
00:25 Christ, Head of the Church
00:27 Opening prayer and Christ’s universal kingship
01:02 Ways people deny Christ’s sovereignty
01:11 Church–state separation and Catholic legislators
01:44 Freedom of speech and the common good
02:19 Religious liberty and public worship
02:39 The apostolic mission and the Church’s authority
03:18 Sacraments, jurisdiction, and divine worship
03:37 The Church and salvation
04:01 Father’s argument concerning Temple worship and the New Covenant
05:02 References to Cardinal Billot and St. Augustine
05:33 His argument concerning separated Christians and jurisdiction
06:01 Religious toleration, private worship, and the state
06:49 What Father means by “public worship”
07:07 Christ’s authority and the moral law
07:24 The duty to engage and reform public life
07:42 Public prayer and the rights of God
08:18 Speaking about God with prudence
08:48 Our obligations as subjects of Christ
09:04 The kingdom’s fulfillment at the final judgment
09:24 Church authority, civil authority, and theocracy
09:54 Looking toward Christ’s definitive reign
10:03 Closing prayer
10:22 Sensus Fidelium app
10:29 Sponsor message
10:36 Sponsor: Real Estate for Life
