YES, I AM A KING!

XXXIV SUNDAY - CHRIST THE KING - John 18:33-37

Before Pilate, Jesus made this bold statement: “Yes, I am a king.” It sounds like madness, Indeed, how can he claim to be a king? He is under arrest and being tried for treason. He knows his fate: the cross is waiting for him. He never lived in a palace, never sat on a throne, never had an army, that is, he never held power. How can he be a king? And Jesus was well aware of that. Asked if he was the king of the Jews, Jesus made it clear that he had no such pretence. He entered Jerusalem on a donkey, without a guard, accompanied by friends. He was not a threat to Caesar. When people wanted to make him a king, Jesus went into hiding. He did not come to be served but to serve. No, he was not a king like Herod, Tiberius or any other king who may be remembered. Jesus explained to Pilate: “Mine is not a kingdom of this world.” Jesus is a king of a completely different nature. He was born to be a king, and he came into this world “to bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice.” The searchers of truth are his followers. He is the king of truth. In him, we find meaning and purpose for our lives and the world. The rulers of this world impose themselves and exercise authority over the people. Jesus followed a different path: he came “to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk 10:45) That’s why he calls us to him: “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Mt 11:28-30)

The first reading (Daniel 7:13-14) and the second (Apocalypse 1:5-8) give us the true meaning of Jesus kingship. In Daniel, he was announced as the son of man who comes “on the clouds of heaven”. “On him was conferred sovereignty, glory and kingship, and men of all peoples, nations and languages became his servants.” In Apocalypse, Jesus Christ is presented under three titles:  the faithful witness, the First-Born from the dead, and the Ruler of the kings of the earth. “He loves us and has washed away our sins with his blood, and made us a line of kings, priests to serve his God and Father”.He established the Kingdom of God, giving his life for us and reconciling us with God. His kingship is of love and mercy and he calls us to share in his glory.

Today, we acclaim Jesus as King of the Universe. Let us sing in unison with the choirs of heaven:

“To him, then, be glory and power 

for ever and ever. Amen. 

It is he who is coming on the clouds;

everyone will see him”.