Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: November 24, 2024

Date: Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Scripture Text: John 18:33b-37

Pilate said to Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?" Pilate answered, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?"

Jesus answered, "My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here."

So, Pilate said to him, "Then you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say 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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today recounts Jesus’ response to Pilate’s questioning about his kingship after his arrest in Jerusalem. Jesus acknowledges that He is a king, but He goes on to tell Pilate that His kingdom “does not belong to this world.” We know that Jesus’ kingdom is greater than this world, that following His death, resurrection and ascension, He is with the Father Almighty who has given Him dominion over the universe as we read in the second reading from Revelation.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I recognize Jesus Christ’s power and dominion in my life and the world?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only begotten Son to dwell among us and as our brother to reveal your great love and salvation to us. He gave His life upon the cross of Calvary to redeem us of our sins. Our salvation and life, we know, were won for us by his death and resurrection, by his victory over sin and death. Send your Spirit to kindle in us fire of your love and to illuminate our minds and transform our hearts so that we might give You glory through our lives and become faithful disciples of your beloved Son. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.