The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe – Year (B)
Daniel 7: 13-14; Psalm 92; Apocalypse 1: 5-8; John 18: 33b-37
Read: Pilate called Jesus to him and asked him: “Are you the king of the Jews?”. Jesus answered: “Do you ask this of your own accord, or have others said this to you about me?” Pilate answered: “Am I a Jew? It is your own people and the chief priests who have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus replied: “Mine is not a kingdom of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, my men would have fought to prevent my being surrendered to the Jews because, alas, my kingdom does not belong here.” Pilate told him: “So then you are a king?” Jesus answered: “It is you who say that I am a king. I was born for this; I came into this world for this to bear witness for the truth; and all who are on the side of truth, listen to my voice.”
Reflect: “Mine is not a kingdom of this world.” This is what Pilate said to Jesus. All the kingdoms of this world are inspired by competition between themselves. Jesus turned over these principles that lead the kingdoms of this world, when he placed as a priority not power, but service. He introduced a new principle, that of the human heart that concerns itself with others, contrary to the oppression that is found in this world. Christ’s Kingdom does not reign over a geographical area. It is not based on a show of force and does not involve one being a ruler. The members of this kingdom are neither soldiers, nor slaves, nor subjects, but it is a kingdom of all those who, through their baptism, have been given the common priesthood.
These are called to offer, through their lives, sacrifices that are accepted by God, that is acts of love. This is the only command that they receive from their King. His victory is something that is assured and everybody will be seeing it, even if this is not the type of victory that is expected by the people. He does not humble his enemies, does not condemn “those who had pierced him” (Apocalypse 1:7), but he overcomes them by changing their hearts. They will all eventually recognise their sins and turn to his love. This is then only type of victory that the Christian community should await.
Pray: He is Lord, He is Lord. Every knee shall bow. Every tongue shall claim that He, He is Lord.
Act: Although his kingdom is not of this world, Christ’s kingdom is also of this world. It is made by man, and it needs to grow and to bear fruit amongst the people living in these times and in different countries. One enters the eternal kingdom according to what work he will have done to build God’s kingdom on this earth. Let us work hard to make known this truth; work against violence and to spread peace, to abolish hatred and egoism, and to foster goodness and love.