Gospel commentary for Sunday, November 24, 2024

Accepting Jesus as King demands humility

Today’s Gospel presents a striking scene of two kingdoms in stark contrast. Pilate, a man of earthly power, questions Jesus, the King of a heavenly realm. Pilate is puzzled, wondering how this seemingly vulnerable man before him could claim kingship. Yet Jesus calmly clarifies: «My kingdom is not of this world.» He reveals that his kingship does not rely on earthly might, but on truth and sacrificial love—a love so powerful that it transforms, rather than dominates.

This encounter invites us to reflect on our own understanding of authority and power. Pilate, like many of us, viewed authority in terms of control and dominance. But Jesus shows us a different path: his kingship is defined by self-giving love, by handing himself over to fulfillthe Father’s will. He willingly embraces suffering to show us the boundless depth of God’s love.

Jesus calls each of us to listen to his voice and follow him as members of this kingdom of truth and love. In a world that often celebrates power for its own sake, we are invited to serve, to love, and to lay down our lives for others, just as our King did. True strength is found not in control, but in faithfulness and sacrifice.

As we stand before the captured and silent King, we are called to make a choice: Will we embrace his kingdom, which often requires humility and surrender, or cling to the fleeting power of this world? Let us ask for the courage to answer, «Yes,» to Jesus’ call. May we listen to his voice, walk in his truth, and live as witnesses to a kingdom that has no end, a kingdom where love reigns supreme.