Readings: Dan 7:13-14; Rev. 1:5-8; Jn. 18:33-37
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Testifying To the Truth!
1. In the opening prayer at today’s Mass, the Church reminds us that it is the will of God to restore all things in Christ, the King of the universe. It is God’s will for all to share in his kingdom and for the whole creation to be set free from slavery, render Him service, and ceaselessly proclaim His praise. In the Preface, we pray, “For you anointed your Only Begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, with the oil of gladness as eternal Priest and King of all creation, so that, by offering Himself on the altar of the Cross as a spotless sacrifice to bring us peace, he might accomplish the mysteries of human redemption and, making all created things subject to his rule, he might present to the immensity of your majesty an eternal and universal kingdom, a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace.” Christ was born to establish the kingdom of God on earth and bring all people, regardless of tribe, race, creed, color, or nationality, to God. All are welcome in his kingdom. He was born for this; he testifies to it, lived for it, and died for it. Those who listen to him are members of his kingdom, but those who do not would be left out.
2. When Pilate asked Christ, “So you are a king?” He answered, “You say I am a king. For this, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Christ came for the truth and died for the truth, just like John the Baptist, who was killed in defense of the truth. John told Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” (Mk.6:18). Not long afterward, Herod beheaded John. John died for the Truth. Jesus was always on the side of truth. He cured the sick on the Sabbath; and saved the life of a woman caught in the act of committing adultery by indirectly accusing her accusers. (Jn. 8) He drove away those who were selling and changing money in the temple. (Jn. 2:16). Christ knew that these actions would bring him face to face with the authority. But he was undaunted in the face of death. He was born to bear witness to the Truth.
3. As we celebrate the universal kingship of Jesus today, let us reflect on the sermon on the mount. The Beatitudes describe the quality of the children of the kingdom. They are peacemakers, the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. They must love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. They must bear no grudge and seek no revenge. They must share their possessions with others and assist those in need. (cf. Mt. 5, 6, 7, 18, 25). These men and women stand for the Truth. They know that Christ’s “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.”
4. We sometimes find distinguishing between objective, subjective, and absolute truth difficult. But is it that complicated? Is there an alternate truth or personal truth? Lies and corruption are common in high places, and we are sometimes confused about facts. What are we living for? What are we prepared to die for? Is it worth living a life of honesty and integrity anymore? What is the role of a Christian in a confusing world like ours? Vima Dasan, SJ, in ‘His Word Lives’ States, “Sharing in the kingship of Christ is glorious but precarious, for it is demanding. As Christ bore witness to the truth, lived by it, and died for it, we, too, by virtue of the gift of truth received in our hearts at baptism, are called to speak only the truth unattended by a bodyguard of lies and of course to spread the truth from pole to pole. Since the truth we have received is not just in our minds but in our hearts, we must speak it and do it in justice and love.” Are we prepared to face the consequences of living the truth? It will isolate us and make us stand alone as Christ did before Pilate. It will take away our friends and give us names. Christ warned: “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” (Lk. 12:51). Our identification with Christ and standing for kingdom values will cause division in our lives and in our families. Are we ready for that?
5. Let us be men and women who, like Christ, live by the truth and are prepared to die for the truth. Because “Truth is like a surgery; it hurts but heals. A lie is like a painkiller. It gives instant relief but has side effects forever.”
Rev. Augustine
Etemma Inwang, MSP
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