John 18:33-37

33 Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” 35 Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” 37 Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.

"Listen to my voice!"

This is the last Sunday before Advent, which marks our time of preparing for the coming of Christ at Christmas. It is also known as the Sunday of Christ the King. Here, the Church invites us to define our personal vision of Jesus' identity and authority in our life after our journey with Him throughout the ending year.

Hearing His teaching, and seeing His actions that reveal His divine and human natures in One Person, it is time to respond to His call asking, "Who am I for you today?" (Matthew 16:15).

The question is presented to the faithful through a real event where Jesus is brought by the highest Jewish authorities before Pilate, who is the highest Roman authority. Pilate can sentence Him to death. They accuse Jesus of the greatest crime against the Roman empire by claiming that He is rebelling against Roman authority, claiming to be king and seeking to replace Caesar. This charge, if proven, would lead to His execution.

Pilate's investigation starts by questioning Jesus if He is "the King of the Jews.” But Jesus, by returning the question, "Do you ask it on your own?" wants Pilate to be aware of the authority that Jesus is entrusted with. It demands that He consolidate justice with serving the common good.

We notice that Jesus asks a question when accused people have no right to speak, but only to respond to questions!

"Yes, you say it, I am a king, but my kingdom is not from this world” (V. 36-37). It is The Kingdom of Truth. Its citizens are those that “listen to my voice” (V. 37), inviting Pilate to be among those who adhere to this membership.

"What is the truth?' answers Pilate in John 18:38. Pilate has his own imperial concept of authority from this world. His concept does not conform to Jesus' divine truth, which is that He was sent to redeem and save.

Christ is King coming to serve, restore, renew and rebuild with God and for God's glory and human dignity.

Christ is King for all nations who share His love and listen to His voice, the voice of the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6).

Christ is the King of those who love in the world, but are not from this world.

Today, He repeats the question to everyone among us, "Who am I for you" (Matt 16:15). If I am your king, "Listen to my voice" (v. 37). "Carry your cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

All over the world, no matter who the king or president is, Jesus Christ is the Only King who leads His people to truth, justice, prosperity, peace and dignity.

May we listen to His voice and allow Him to live within us as our King. Let’s mean it when we pray, "Your Kingdom come!"