Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (B)

November 25, 2018 

Readings:

First Reading: Daniel 7: 13-14

Psalm: 93

Second Reading: Revelation 1: 5-8

Gospel reading according to John 18: 33b-37

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Homily:

The kingship of Jesus is not of this world, but in different dimension and sphere. 

The tribulation of Jesus has come.  Now the glory and power and majesty of Jesus are revealed.  “Pilate said to Jesus, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?” (Jn. 18:33b).  Jesus, the Son of Man and the Son of God, will be known throughout the whole world as King and Lord of all, not only of the Jews.  “Are you he King of the Jews,” asked Pontius Pilate, the Roman Procurator, which Jesus did not answer directly.  But instead he threw back this question to Pilate by asking him if it is his own understanding, discovery and as well as his imminent faith and belief in Jesus the Christ.  “Jesus answered, ‘Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?” (Jn. 18: 34), or others his cohorts, the elders in the Temple, the scribes and Pharisees, and even the Sanhedrin told him about Jesus.  These groups, though indifferent to one another became friends due to one common enemy – Jesus, they brought the fake and false news about Jesus to Pontius Pilate, about his teaching, disregarding the miracles he performed, and even accusing rebellious plot against the Roman Empire.

Though as a Roman, he was not easy to sway and influence by the news brought to him by the leaders and elders of the Temple.  He just wanted to find out what is right and order in his territory. “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?” (Jn. 18: 35).  Pilate as a Roman did not claim himself as Jew or with leaning and inclination with the Jews.  Yet, Pilate told Jesus that his own people and his elders and leaders of the Temple were the ones who brought and accused him to him.  He has no personal knowledge about Jesus, just hearsay.  Pilate wanted to know and hear directly from Jesus this accusation against him, that he was called King of the Jews.

Then, Jesus told him the truth about himself.  He is now claiming his kingship, but not of this world.  “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” (Jn. 18: 36).  It is logical and rightly said that if his kingdom belongs to this earth, his soldiers are coming to save him from the hands of those against him and maybe they are fighting to rescue him and bringing him back to his throne in his kingdom. But, he revealed that his Kingdom is not here on earth but in another dimension and realm in another place.

Pilate understood very well what and who Jesus was.  He then concluded by saying, “So Pilate said to him, ‘Then you are a king?” (Jn. 18: 37).  Pilate realized that Jesus is a King!  He recognized the Kingship of Jesus.

To deepen the understanding of Pilate in the Kingship of Jesus and about the truth of his being 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” (Jn. 18: 37).  Jesus holds the truth, he has the truth, and he is the truth; and anyone who believes his truth listens to him.  For in truth, Jesus “received dominion, glory and kingship; all peoples, nations, and languages serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed” (Dn. 7: 14).   Therefore, let us say: “The Lord is king, he is robed in majesty” (Ps 9).