Today we bring to completion the Liturgical Year of the Lord 2021. We recognize Jesus’ role as the Lord of all, the ruler over all humanity, the king of the eternal and universal Kingdom. In our Gospel we hear him witness to the kingdom in front of Pilate.
Jesus tells Pilate that if his kingdom belonged to this world, his people would fight to prevent his persecution. Because his kingdom is not of this world, he does not have followers fighting to save him. His only weapon in his fight against this terrible injustice is truth. Jesus came to testify to the truth. As his disciples, we belong to the truth, so we are called to listen for his voice, seek the truth, and fight against injustice.
We know Pilate refused to accept the truth, but a few hours earlier another weak man also failed to face the truth. That man was St. Peter. Peter’s fear of what might happen to him won out over his love of Jesus, his loyalty, and the truth. Pilate’s desire for power prevented him from accepting the truth, but fear also made him ignore the pursuit of truth and justice. He feared that the mob could lead to his downfall with his superiors. Peter eventually faced the truth, weeping in remorse, but Pilate chose to ignore it to the end.
Embracing the truth no matter where it leads us can be challenging. Our news is filled with half-truth, fake news, manipulating the facts, twisting reality and out and out lies and falsehood. What truths has Jesus taught us? He calls us, not to personal glory or power, but to serve others. He tells us to sell all we have and give to the poor, then follow him. He instructs us to deny ourselves and take up our cross. He claims that the kingdom comes to the poor in spirit. He claimed his kingdom is not of this world. If our thoughts, actions, hopes, and dreams are only for ourselves and for now, we’re really not part of His kingdom. He is our way, our truth, and our life. Let us pray that when our day comes we will be found worthy and ready for the kingdom.
Love, Peace, Joy,
Fr. Bob
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