The Gospel of John 18:33-37
Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that 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.” (38 Pilate asked him, ‘What is truth?’)
Let us Pray: Lord, help us to embrace your truth with all our heart. May we stand firm in your teachings and be a witness to your truth in all aspects of our lives, despite any opposition or challengewe may face. And open our eyes to the reality of your kingdom. Teach us to look beyond worldly power and ambition, and to seek the values of your heavenly kingdom—love, peace, justice, and humility.” Amen.
This week’s Gospel is a heated and somewhat unsettling conversation between Jesus and Pontius Pilate during Jesus’ trial. Pilate questions Jesus about being the King of the Jews “Are you the King of the Jews? Pilate was looking for something that would justify finding Jesus a criminal. Jesus responds that his kingdom is not of this world. Jesus came as King. He did not come as a king in robes of royalty or with a fine palace and a royal court. Instead, Jesus came as the King of Truth in simplicity and with a band of everyday folks called apostles. Jesus, as king, does not claim the sort of over-bearing political, military, or economic power that Pilate exercises on behalf of the Roman emperor. His authority has nothing to do with power over or domination of others. He explains that if it were, his followers would fight to prevent his arrest. Jesus states that he was born to testify to the truth, and that everyone on the side of truth listens to him. This passage highlights Jesus’ mission and the nature of his kingdom, which is spiritual rather than political. It underscores the importance of truth and bearing witness to it, even in the face of persecution. Truth, however, is dangerous for some people. Every pretender to a powerful position and those who misuse the power that they have are threatened by one who is genuinely qualified and powerful in ways that they don’t understand. Pretenders fear the truth. Pilate must decide the validity of Jesus’ claim because he feared the truth. Every reader of the Gospel of John must make the same decision Pilate has to make. Pilate’s response is the response of many of us: “What is truth?” Each of us must answer the question. So today may be a good day to ask ourselves: How am I following in Jesus’ footsteps? How do I reach out to the poor, the lame or the individuals who are on the margins of society? Do I strive to be a servant to the people in my life? Do I work to create peace and harmony?
Perhaps the most challenging words in this Gospel are the last words of this reading: “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” I invite you to take a few moments and ask yourself: How do I strive to listen to Jesus’ voice? Do I allow Jesus’ voice to be drowned out by busyness, despair, worry or (you fill in the blank)? Today make time to sit down, quiet down and listen for Jesus’ voice! He will speak to you! The question for us is: Will we be listening? As we close this Sunday, next Sunday we start the season of Advent. A time of preparation and a good time to sit and listen to the voice of Jesus. It can be difficult with all the chaos of Christmas preparation, but it will be a great time just to sit quietly and think about the season of Advent and the wonderful season of Christmas.
Let us Pray: Lord, as we enter this season of Advent, open our hearts to your coming. Prepare us to receive your hope, peace, joy and love. Help us to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and to embrace the hope and anticipation that this season brings. May our preparations for your arrival be filled with mindfulness and grace, drawing us closer to you and to each other. Amen
Reflections by Bob 