Focusing the Gospel

Key words and phrases: My kingdom does not belong to this world, who belongs to the truth

To the point: Pilate's question, “I am not a Jew, am I?” only reveals a tension between earthly kingdoms: Rome vs. Israel. Jesus' response, however, unearths a broader tension: this world vs. Jesus' kingdom. The broader tension embroils all peoples in the challenge to accept Jesus' kingship not as power over but as power to. Consequently, the truth of Jesus' kingdom does not lie in anything of this world but in hearts turned to God, ears attuned to Jesus' voice, and actions bespeaking faithful following of Jesus. We navigate the tension between the way of the world and the way of Jesus' kingdom by putting flesh on the truth: laying down one's life for others.

… to the First Reading: Christ's presence and kingship are not found in the “clouds” (see First and Second readings) but in his suffering and death (see second reading and Gospel) for our sakes and in the tension within our own lives as we struggle to align ourselves with the truth of the kingdom of Christ our King.

… to experience: Normally kingship is associated with power, prestige, and wealth. Surprisingly, the Gospel presents Christ the King on trial and about to suffer and die.