Are You the King of the Jews?

George F.  Handel's Messiah comes to mind as we celebrate the the solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.  We are all familiar with the verses from the book of Revelation which he encased in his sublime score:  "The kingdom of this has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever." (Rev 11:15) And further:  "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" (Rev 19: 16).  We imagine a triumphant king to whom all of creation bows in homage.  Yet, when Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Jesus was not wearing a crown nor royal robes and, yes, affiirming that he was a king, he pointed out that his kingdom was not of this world and that he had come into the world to bear witness to the truth--he came to introduce the love and justice of God into a world that was built on corruption and lies.  Earlier in his ministry Jesus had said, "If you remain true to my word, you will know the truth and the truth will make you free."  (Jn 8:32 ).  Such was his kingdom and such is the King we laud today.
Jose Pagola writes, "Being faithful to the gospel of Jesus is a unique experience, for it leads to a liberating truth, which is able to make our lives more human.  Jesus Christ is the only truth we are entitled to live."  Today we might look into our hearts to see what is true and what is false in the way we are following Jesus.
So many other things creep so subtlely and easily into our lives that we don't even see them. Lord, let me know the truth and live it.
Bro. Rene