November 22, 2009-11-26
Our Lord Jesus Christ the KingDn 7:13-14/
Rv 1:5-8 /
Jn 18:33B-37
At the core of the Gospel. We find Jesus’ question to the disciples: “Who do people say that the sun of man is?” (Matthew 16:13).
Our readings today connect Jesus to deep expectation-to Jewish hopes that God’s power will bring justice. Often in Gospels Jesus calls himself the son of man, an image from book of Daniel-one destined for “everlasting dominion” First-century Christians reading the book of Revelation recognize Jesus as “the Alpha and the Omega.” He’s no less than the beginning and the end of God’s action on Earth and beyond the Earth.
Other titles flower throughout the New Testament. Jesus is called Robbi. He is prophet, Lamb, and Logos. He is the Son of David. He is the Son of God. He’s the Messiah-the Christ, the Anointed One.
After the shock and the power of resurrection, the Church linked numerous titles to Jesus as it deepened its realization of who he is, multiplying connections between Jesus’ life and the prophets. As Christian history unfolded, his followers even capitalized the pronouns used refer to him. Our words, our art, our music-all stretch to say Who He is.
Pilate doesn’t understand any of this. He’s heard Jesus accused of being a king. That’s a problem. The Jews didn’t need a king. Their land was governed by Caesar.
Pilate is in a tough spot. Is Jesus a king or not? A prisoner is handed to him. Pilate would like to be done with this whole business. Certainly this man has stirred up the city. But were his actions those of a king?
At Jesus’s crucifixion, the sigh reads king. Critics complain that Pilate should have said, some called him a king.
Jesus’ disciples learned a king can suffer. Three days later, they would learn why he is lord.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: During the time of Christ people may not have seen Divinity in him. They wanted a king to rule in the place of Rome. Chris gave himself as a Divine King, but they did not accept him. It is left to us to make him our King…today and forever.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM: The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty