Gospel Reflection Nov 21 – Deacon Frank
Sunday, November 21
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
John 18: 33b-37
Gospel:
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.”
Gospel Reflection:
This weekend we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King and the close of another church year. It is fitting that we celebrate our victorious Savior, the King of Glory, who is now seated in all his majesty at the right hand of the Father. It is also fitting that we celebrate this feast at this time of the year when the days are shorter, and we enter the barren darkness of winter. We are reminded that life is fleeting and short, often filled with struggles and sorrows.
In this week’s gospel, when Jesus encounters Pilate face to face for the first time he knows that his very life is at stake – yet he does not waiver. Jesus knew that truth was the greatest threat Pilate would face. Truth will convict us. Truth will always stand before power unbowed.
As followers of Jesus, we must always seek the truth and speak the truth. We live in a world where half-truths and conspiracies reign. Our airwaves are inundated with made-up facts or totally false information. Many times, we hear people say that they simply do not know who or what to believe anymore. What we do know, however, is that when we seek authentic truth, we are seeking the author of truth. By shedding of his blood Jesus claimed us and made us into a kingdom for the honor and glory of God. We are formed from truth and oriented to truth.
On this feast of Christ the King we are called to remember where our true treasure lies. We are called to give our total allegiance only to God for all else is temporal and passing. While one day this world will pass away, the Kingdom of God will never pass away. And that is THE TRUTH!
-Deacon Frank Iannarino