Franciscan Friar Fr. Paul Gallagher reflects on the Gospel readings for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe. When you think of title, Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, what images come to mind?
The content is edited by Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Anne Marie Lom and Joe Thiel. The excerpts from the Sunday readings are prepared by Joe Thiel. To read or download the complete pdf with excerpts for your prayer, please click here Franciscan Gospel Reflection November 24 2024. Excerpts are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Photo: Holy Spirit, Kimberly, Wisconsin. Father Carl Schmitt is pastor of this Parish Community that truly lives their faith because “God is truly deeply in love with us!”
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.”
Background:
This is the last Sunday of the liturgical year. Next Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent. Though this has been the year devoted to reading Mark’s Gospel, the text is from John’s Gospel.
This Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe may feel awkward. The title “king” can suggest a medieval system of royal entitlement at the expense of unfortunate serfs and servants. Even today in our world, royal families live a lifestyle their fellow countrymen cannot afford, and those who have royal status live a life that ordinary persons could not access. There are places of the world where the elite can live a lifestyle without regard for the common or disadvantaged of society. Our experience and attitudes toward the titles and status can affect how we hear the scripture texts, and how we celebrate this Solemnity.
In all the Gospels, Jesus has harsh criticism for religious leaders who assume attitudes of superiority. Jesus also rebukes those who see him as the messiah, those who would want to reestablish the greatness of the Hebrew Nation as it was in the days of their great King David. The religious authorities see Jesus as someone who is presenting himself as the “anointed of God.” Therefore, they believe him to be blaspheming. They also believe that such claims would be a threat to Roman authority and upset the fragile peace that allowed them to function as the religious authority while being subjects of the Romans.
In this Gospel Pilate is addressing Jesus privately, away from the crowds and the religious leaders who have turned Jesus over to him and the Roman authority he represents. Pilate acts as one who must determine if Jesus is an authentic threat to the Roman authority that he represents. He may also be trying to understand Jesus, who does not fit the power structures with which he is familiar. In his questioning, Pilate asks Jesus directly if he is a king. He seems to be asking Jesus if he himself believes he is the Messiah. One of the ways people expressed their hope and belief in God was through the image of a future kingdom that would restore God’s order and peace to all of creation. Linked to this image of God’s reign is a ruler, one who would govern with the mind and heart of God. That person was understood as the true and only king.
On one level the Gospel text is a dialogue between two people who are attempting to speak to one another, but have different ideas of what it is to be a king. Pilate, the governor, is trying to determine if Jesus considers himself to be the King of the Jews. If so, is he a member of the religious fringe, or does he have true political aspirations? Should Jesus and his disciples be taken as a threat to the Roman rule? For his part, Jesus never claims that he is a king, but he does represent a kingdom, the reign of God. God’s realm turns the order upside down. It is built on a ruler who is a servant–who does not order but invites, does not demand to be served but washes the feet of others, does not demand that others give their life in service but instead gives his life in service for others. In the dialogue between Jesus and Pilate they are trying to speak to each other, but each is speaking from their unique perspective.
Even though Jesus dies disgraced and suffering, the inscription placed over his head on the cross indicates that Jesus is the “King of the Jews.” In John’s Gospel it is often Jesus’ enemies who state the profound truth, even if they are unaware of the significance of what they have declared. In the central section of John’s passion account, Jesus is presented as the king. “Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!” (John 19:1)
At the end of each liturgical year the Church closes the year with The Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. In the Gospel Pilate is trying to sort out who this “King of the Jews” is that stands before him. Even before Pilate when his life is in jeopardy, Jesus is true to the role of being servant of the Father. Pilate’s struggle to understand Jesus invites the Church to reflect on our understanding of Jesus as King of the universe and how we as disciples are called to serve that King.
Reflection Questions:
- When you think of royalty, what images and feelings are invoked in you?
- When you think of title, Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, what images come to mind?
- Recall some of the Gospel passages that have been read this past year. Which have been your favorites? How is Jesus Christ the King in those passages too?
- What do you recall of the royal line of David in salvation’s history? What meaning or significance did he have for the Hebrew people?
- Pretend that you are part of the Gospel scene as it unfolds, maybe an attendant of Pilate who can overhear the conversation. Begin by thinking, what kind of day is it? What sounds are in the air? Are people milling around in the background? Do you hear or see any of Jesus’ followers or any of the Pharisees in the distance? How are you feeling about being there? What are some of the thoughts going through you as you hear Pilate and Jesus?
- time now to talk with God or Jesus about what kind of King Jesus is for you, the kind of follower you would like to be, or what this feast means for you in your relationship to God?
