Reflection for Sunday November 24, The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe: John 18:33b-37

Gospel: John 18:33b-37

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."

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Reflection:

There is a story of a king who was greatly loved by his people. He opened the gates of his kingdom to everyone, especially the poor. He would also regularly leave his beautiful palace in disguise to offer help to his people. 

In spite of his stature, he was very humble and down-to-earth. He mingled with everyone—the poor, the educated, and the social outcasts. Eventually, he grew old and sickly, and after a few months, he passed away. There was an outpouring of support from his people, and everyone mourned his passing. They paid glowing tributes to his kindness, humility, and selfless service. 

Today is the Solemnity of Christ the King. What is the kingship of Jesus Christ all about? It is about humility, servanthood and self-sacrifice. Jesus did not abuse His powerful kingship. He never used it for Himself, never used it to oppress or bully, and, foremost of all, His kingship was always for our welfare and never for Himself. 

What is the implication of Christ Kingship for us? It loudly tells us that we must at all times follow the kingship of Jesus. It loudly tells us that we must be humble at all times, we must be ready to serve at all times, sacrifice our welfare or the good of others at all times and we must not manipulate people to serve our selfish objectives. 

The world that we are in right now is in chaos because many of us most especially the political leaders and some religious leaders follow the kingship of this world. Many of us hunger to be acclaimed, served and honored. Many of us want to exercise power based on how this world would want us to use it. 

Truth be told, many of us still choose to follow the temporal kingship of this world. Many of us allow it to capture and enslave us. This is the reason why we become arrogant, manipulative and abusive. And these are all caused by our greed for the temporal kingship of this world. 

Let us discard worldly kingship and embrace the kingship of Christ. Why? Because if worldly power is not handled with humility, and if we allow ourselves to be consumed by it, it will surely destroy us. Worldly kingship is temporary and fleeting; sooner or later, it will come to an end. However, the kingship of Jesus Christ is eternal and will always be there for us when we choose to embrace and follow it. 

Which kingship will you embrace? – Marino J. Dasmarinas