November 24, 2024: Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Gospel: John 18:33b-37 (Carmelite Lectionary)

Pilate entered the praetorium again and called Jesus, and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Some of your own people have handed you over to me; what have you done?” Jesus answered, “My reign is not of this world; if my reign were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to those seeking to kill me; but my reign is not from the world.” Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.”

Reflection

Many ceilings in churches, cathedrals and basilicas have an awesome painting of Christ the King. Usually the depiction includes surroundings suggesting the magnitude of the event, Christ’s return at the end of time. While today’s feast on this final Sunday of the Liturgical Year celebrates Christ as King of the Universe, today’s Gospel does quite the contrary. Today’s passage is taken from the passion of Christ according to John. Why is this?

Jesus tells us he has come into the world to bear witness to the truth. Bearing witness to truth is not popular. Many in our world do not want to hear or accept the truth. And, it is at times challenging to know what is true and what is false. So what are we to do when we are unsure?  Hopefully, we have spent the year reading as well as hearing the scriptures. The Gospels in particular are clear and often candid regarding the Christian life. We can’t go wrong, if we reflect on them and then follow Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life.  One thing is for sure, when Christ returns at the end of time TRUTH will reign!

Action

St. Mark’s Gospel is the shortest of the four and has been heard on many Sundays throughout the year.  Because of its brevity, readings from the other three gospel writers (Matthew, Luke and John) have been proclaimed on some Sundays.  If you have paid little attention to the scriptures throughout this year, consider reading through Mark’s Gospel this week.  Next week on the First Sunday of Advent we will commence with the Gospel of Luke.