Gospel – John 18:33-37

Pilate said to Jesus,
“Are you the King of the Jews?”
Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own
or have others told you about me?”
Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I?
Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me.
What have you done?”
Jesus answered, “My kingdom does not belong to this world.
If my kingdom did belong to this world,
my attendants would be fighting
to keep me from being handed over to the Jews.
But as it is, my kingdom is not here.”
So Pilate said to him, “Then you are a king?”
Jesus answered, “You say I am a king.
For this I was born and for this I came into the world,
to testify to the truth.
Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”

Reflection on the Gospel

Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.

This week we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe. A title of this sort seems most appropriate for the Creator of all things! In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, we are reminded of the things to come, Christ’s Passion, death, and ultimately, His resurrection. Often times, I find myself in Pontius Pilate’s shoes, questioning God, asking Him to identify Himself to me, to prove his Kingship in my life. When I really sit and ponder the grandeur of our great God, I realize just how foolish this line of questioning is. I remember that His Son died for me, the greatest act of love humanity will ever know, and I learn to listen with the ears of Faith to the truth that Jesus proclaims. For it is only when we truly know God that we can hear the truth and the truth is a beautiful and wonderful characteristic of our God, which allows us to be free. As our world becomes ever more violent and war-torn, it is truly good to know that Christ is the King of the Universe and the despite what we think, He is in control! Even in our darkest times we should take solace and comfort in this fact, because God promises us that He will never abandon us, nor will he let the gates of hell prevail. So as we look forward to Advent and the birth of our Savior, let us never forget that the King of the Universe is the light in the darkness and that with His birth comes hope, hope for a better world, where more people hear His voice and live in truth!

Mr. Michael Stewart
La Salle Academy – New York, NY

Saint John Baptist de La Salle – Pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts – Forever.