Prayer & Reflection

This Sunday's Gospel: John 18:33-37

‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ Pilate asked. Jesus replied, ‘Do you ask this of your own accord, or have others spoken to you about me?’ Pilate answered, ‘Am I a Jew? It is your own people and the chief priests who have handed you over to me: what have you done?’ Jesus replied, ‘Mine is not a kingdom of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, my men would have fought to prevent my being surrendered to the Jews. But my kingdom is not of this kind.’ ‘So you are a king them?’ said Pilate. ‘It is you who say it’ answered Jesus. ‘Yes, I am a king. I was born for this, I came into the world for this: to bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice.’

Reflection

In this passage from the Gospel of John, we witness a fascinating exchange between Jesus and Pilate. It’s a moment where two very different kinds of power come face-to-face. Pilate represents worldly authority - power built on control, fear, and politics. Jesus, on the other hand, speaks of a kingdom that is “not of this world,” rooted in truth and love rather than force or domination.

This conversation challenges us to think about the kind of "kingdom" we build in our own lives. Are we chasing after status, possessions, or control? Or are we striving to live with integrity, kindness, and a commitment to truth? Jesus reminds us that real power isn’t about holding authority over others but about staying true to what is good and right, even when it’s difficult.

Pilate’s famous question, “What is truth?” might resonate with us today in a world full of conflicting messages. Jesus’ answer isn’t a simple definition but an invitation to live in alignment with truth - by listening to his voice and following his example.

This Gospel challenges us to reflect on what guides our actions and decisions. Are we drawn to temporary power and success, or are we seeking the deeper, lasting peace of a life rooted in truth and love? As we move through our week, let’s think about how we can embody the values of Jesus’ kingdom in the way we treat others and live our daily lives.