A reading of the holy Gospel according to Jn 18:33b-37
Pilate said to Jesus,"Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you say this on your ownor 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 fightingto 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
"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."
This is the last Sunday of the liturgical year. We celebrate Christ the King, King of the entire world, in our hearts and our lives.
And how can He reign in our souls? Through confession our souls are cleansed and we await in anticipation of His arrival.
The mercy of Christ knows no bounds--mocked by the Jews, betrayed by His disciples, ridiculed and humiliated while offering Himself on the Cross. He loves us that much!!!
Where Jesus is, there is His Kingdom. He does not forget, nor hide His face. He sees all.
St Ambrose said, "The Lord always grants more than one asks." With contrite heart ask for all and prepare for this great solemnity. Jesus Christ, with open arms, is waiting to receive us. And in doing so, He reigns in our hearts and we will spread His reign through our actions, words and deeds.
When we give ourselves to God we will never regret opening our hearts to Jesus. Jesus is triumphant, victorious and humble. Let us love Him for His own sake.
