Sunday Gospel Reflection
Jesus answered, "My kingship is not of this world

Introduction

Have your ever day-dreamed about winning the Lotto? Or being king for a day? What would you do?

When we were young, we had the time to indulge our imagination. We pretended to be famous, wealthy, powerful. Of course we grew up, but sometimes not out of those fantasies. In fact, multi-billion dollar industries are dedicated to making those dreams come true. But only for a while. And always for a price.

Let's take the ultimate indulgence. What does it really mean to be "king of the world?" Take a few moments and step into the shoes of Jesus. How would you answer the charge you were a king of all?

First Reading
Daniel 7:13-14

13 As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; when he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him,
14 He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed.

Second Reading
Revelation 1:5-8

5 ...and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth.To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 who has made us into a kingdom, priests for his God and Father, to him be glory and power forever (and ever). Amen.
7 Behold, he is coming amid the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him. All the peoples of the earth will lament him. Yes. Amen.
8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "the one who is and who was and who is to come, the almighty

Gospel Reading
John 18:33b-37

33b Pilate ordered Jesus to come in. The first thing Pilate said to Jesus was: "Are you the King of the Jews?"
34 "Is this what you think," Jesus responded, "or did others give you this information about me?"
35 "Do you think I am a Jew?" Pilate shot back. "Your people and their leaders gave you to me so I could judge you. What did you do to get arrested?"
36 "My Kingdom is not an earthly one," Jesus stated. "If it were, my followers would have fought hard to keep me from being arrested. So, my Kingdom is not
from here."
37 "Aren't you really a king?" Pilate returned to his original question."You're the one who says I'm a king," Jesus answered. "I was born into this world, so I could
tell others about the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth hears my voice!"

Bible Study/Meditation

In the Scriptures we have several examples of how not to relate to his kingship and reign. For instance, early in the life of Israel the nation rejected God's rule in their lives and nation, as we see in 1 Samuel 8. This passage records that the nation of Israel threw offGod's rule, and demanded a human king, so that they would
"be like the other nations." Though warned of the audacious demands of earthly kings they were willing to ignore the negative consequences so that they could discard the privileges and responsibilities of relating to and following God as their ruler.

Years later God's Son, Jesus, came proclaiming the Kingdom of God. One would think that by this time, after having experienced centuries of corrupt rule of earthly kings, that Israel and their leaders would welcome the opportunity to return to the benevolent rule of God, with arms welcoming him. But they didn't. Why?

In addition, We also see in Scripture how the host of people welcomed Jesus as king when he entered Jerusalem riding on a colt. They acclaimed him the new heir of King David for whom they had been looking.

Yet their celebration was superficial, their acclamation insincere, and one which turned to mob rejection in a matter of hours. Why?

Pilate, perhaps, epitomizes all that we should avoid. He too superficially recognized that Jesus was a king, and in fact acknow-ledged that Jesus was King of the
Jews.  But then, Pilate washed his hands of Jesus and his kingship, and disavowed any responsibility to respond to this recognized reality. Why? 

In each of these instances, to varying degrees, people liked the idea of being under the rule and in the kingdom of God, but they did not like the demands it put upon them. Rebelliousness is in our DNA. We want to rule ourselves. We love the benefits of a heavenly king, with his benevolent ways, his care and his protection, but reject the demands of citizenship in his kingdom. This fear of surrendering self-rule to his rule, and our will to his will, often drives us to offer lip service during times of celebration, and selfish rebellion during the rest of the time. Even we who have gladly united with his kingdom recognize the war that often resides within us between practical allegiance and external acknowledgement. This year as we celebrate Jesus Christ's Lordship and reign as King, may we pray and resolve that during the next fifty-one weeks we will live to his honor and practically surrender to his will.

Reflections:

· Please re-read the phrase(s)/sentence(s) that move(s)/touche(s) you and what inner message of the heart is the Spirit whispering to you?

. A theologian once said that all revelation is invitation. In other words, all that God reveals to us invites us to live with him. This is the reality of Jesus' kingship.esus is Lord, so we might live near him in love. He is King of the World, not over us but for us and with us.
  ----How can you place one area of your life over to the King of the World this week?

. The truth of Jesus is more than facts; it is one of fidelity. God is "true" to us; that means, he is faithful. He shows us his fidelity through his Son and the power of his Spirit. When we are true to God in return, we "live in truth" (that is, in relationship). Since God is eternally faithful, God's truth goes beyond the transient nature of politics, fad, and fashion.
  ----How does your relationship with God touch you in ways the world cannot match? How has the truth of world failed you? How has God's faithfulness sustained you?

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, you are my King and there is no other.  Be the Master and Ruler of my heart.  Show me how I can help bring your kingdom into this world more fully.May all that I do be pleasing to  you and serve the best interests of my neighbors