“You say that I am a king.
For this I was born,
and for this I have
come into the world,
to bear witness to the truth.
Everyone who is of the truth
hears my voice.”
(John 18:37)
Jesus acknowledges His kingship but clarifies that His kingdom is not of this world. This teaches us about the spiritual nature of His reign and the importance of focusing on heavenly rather than earthly power.
Being open to the truth and living by it enables us to recognize and follow Jesus' teachings. He was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. His mission to bear witness to the truth highlights the value of truth and integrity. He encourages us to seek and uphold the truth in our own lives. This also emphasizes the importance of living with purpose and being committed to our mission in life.
Reflecting on these lessons can inspire us to live with greater purpose, integrity, and a focus on spiritual truths.
In the quiet of the night, a truth was born,
A light to pierce the veil, a dawn to mourn.
"You say that I am a king," He spoke with grace,
"For this I was born, to take my place."
A crown not of gold, but of thorns and pain,
A kingdom not of earth, but of heaven's reign.
"For this I have come into the world," He said,
To bear witness to the truth, to be the bread.
In the hearts of the faithful, His voice is clear,
A call to the truth, to those who hear.
"Everyone who is of the truth," He proclaimed,
"Hears my voice," in love, unashamed.
Through trials and shadows, His light does shine,
A beacon of hope, a love divine.
Born to bear witness, to lead and to guide,
In His truth, we find our stride.
Lord Jesus, King of Kings, You declared, "For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth." We come before You, seeking Your truth and guidance.
Grant us the courage to stand firm in our faith, to bear witness to Your love and grace, and to follow Your voice in all that we do.
Help us to live with integrity and purpose, to seek Your kingdom above all else, and to be beacons of Your light in this world.
May we always hear Your voice and be guided by Your wisdom and truth. In Your holy name, we pray.
Amen.
Pericope:
III: The Book of Glory
THE TRIAL BEFORE PILATE
John 18:33-37
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come!
Gospel: John 18:33-37
33 Pilate entered the praetorium again and called Jesus, and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" 34 Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?" 35 Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me; what have you done?" 36 Jesus answered, "My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world." 37 Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears my voice."
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
