The King of Truth: Reflections on the Sunday Gospel (John 18:33b-37) by Father Steven LaBaire –

This weekend’s gospel reading presents us with two men: Pontius Pilate and Jesus.

Pilate has heard a lot about Jesus. He’s trying to figure out who Jesus is: Where does he get his power? What’s his appeal?

Jesus doesn’t have the dress or swagger of a king. He’s not accompanied by servants or protected by armies.

He brings no weapons.

And yet, this Jesus, dares to speak about his “kingdom.”

Pilate is confused. If this “Kingdom” belonging to Jesus is somewhere, it doesn’t seem to be much help right now.

Then Jesus says:

“Everyone who cares for the truth,
who has any feeling for the truth, recognizes my voice.”

Now Pilate is really confused…

But hopefully we are not:

The Kingdom of Jesus exists wherever the truth is told.

Wherever and whenever truth and honesty triumph over lies, deception, falsehood, and cover-ups, Jesus reigns supreme.

Christ is the “King” of every human heart, committed to the truth.

So, who are the truth tellers of our generation? (In our families? In business? In the Church? In our culture?)

Are we able to accept the “truth” about ourselves? (Are we honest enough to face-up to both the good and the bad within?)

Do we avoid the truth, when it sheds light on people or things we want to protect?

Are we willing to follow Christ our King, trusting that the “ truth,” sets us free to face both life and death without fear.

Pray that we will always be counted as citizens of this Kingdom.

Amen.