Pastor's Message
34th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews.” John 18:37
Today we celebrate the 34th Sunday of the Year of the Church, the last Sunday in the liturgical year of the Church and the Solemnity of Christ the King.
Since the announcement of his birth, Christ, was announced as “King” Heir to the throne of His Father David, and the Fulfillment of the Promise to Abraham.
To Mary the Angel Gabriel said, “The Lord will give him the throne of his ancestor David, He will rule over the house of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.” (Lk. 1:33)
The Magi following the Star from the East, coming to Jerusalem seeking the one whose Star had appeared asked Herod and Jerusalem; “Where is the Infant, the King of the Jews? We saw his Star as it rose and have come to do him homage.” (Mt. 2: 2-3)
Jesus Christ is King with extraordinary Powers. Apostle Peter trying to defend him from being arrested and using a sword, Jesus rebuked him saying; “Put your sword back into its place, do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, who in an instant would send more than twelve legions of angels in my defense?” (Mt 26:52-54)
Yet Christ Jesus, having absolute power inherent in Him, chose, unlike the Kings and Rulers of this World who seek glory and influence; a way that was uniquely different!
“He emptied himself,” St. Paul tells, “taking the form of a slave, becoming as human beings are; and being in every way like a Human Being, he was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a Cross.” (Phil 2:7)
Self-emptying was the Way Jesus chose, up to the point of the supreme sacrifice on the Cross, so that He could reveal the Love of His Father for us and bring us to fullness of Life again.
In the Gospel Reading today, Jesus stands before Pilate, who represent the worldly powers and authorities; Pilate asks Jesus; “Are you the King of the Jews?”
Jesus explained his kingship; “Mine is not a Kingdom of this World; if my kingdom were of this world; my people would have fought to prevent my being surrendered to the Jews. But my kingdom is not of this kind.”
Pilate asked Jesus, the second time, “So you are a King then?”
Jesus answered him with authority; “Yes, I am a King. I was born and for this, I came into the world for this, to bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side pf truth listen to my voice” (Jn 18:34)
Pilate dismisses Jesus with the question; “What is Truth?” Jesus did not give an answer to this question, possibly because “Truth,” was standing in front of the Governor and Pilate did not recognize Him. Pilate however sent Jesus to be crucified in royal purple garment and refused to back down in the demand of the leaders of the Jews; “What I have written, I have written!” The Inscription read, Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.
The Kingship of Jesus comes from God the Father, as we read in the First Reading of today; “To him was given dominion and glory and Kingship, that all peoples, nations and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed.” (Dan 7:13-14).
