John 18:33B-37
“Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” (John 18:37)
On the last Sunday of our liturgical year, we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. The first and second readings and the psalm describe our Lord and King as coming “on the clouds of heaven.” Yet in the Gospel, we are reminded of his meekness, obedience, and suffering as He willingly prepared to die on the cross.
In the Gospel, Pilate interrogates Jesus, and there is tension woven into every line as the two exchange questions. Pilate, conscious of the possibility of a Jewish revolt during Passover, a time when all male Jews gather in Jerusalem, is carefully trying to work out who Jesus is. Jesus has been handed over by his own people, without much context.
Although He recently underwent his own agony in the garden of Gethsemene, Jesus doesn’t point fingers, but He once again uses the opportunity to proclaim his identity and purpose. As Pilate tries to work out if Jesus is a king intending to usurp Roman authority, Jesus explains, “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.” Jesus' defense of Himself is not explaining, as Pilate asks Him to, what He has done, but rather who He is. Although He is the King of the Universe, He demonstrates a detachment from the world, as his kingdom is not a physical territory, but is stamped in the hearts of his servants who follow his will.
As I reflect on the times when I feel I need to defend my own actions, control my situation, or hold onto what I have in the world, Jesus' grace under pressure is a powerful reminder that there is greatness in meekness and letting go. Even if I lose everything, from material possessions to my reputation, it is important for me to remain true to the purpose God gave me and be the person He made me to be. As Jesus says, his kingdom is not here, which means that whatever I lose in this world is not worth keeping. Rather, my thoughts should be fixed on the truth, because He is where I truly belong.
By Kara Pauley
Comments