Fr. Bob’s Homily – 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time

In today’s Gospel, we witness a profound irony: God Himself stands as a prisoner before a representative of the world’s superpower. This is the same Jesus who was born in a stable, worked as a carpenter, walked dusty roads preaching and healing, and ultimately was executed as a convict. Yet, this Jesus is the King of the Universe.

Though He came into the world in humble circumstances, the prophet Isaiah foretold, “A Child is born to us, and the scepter of a king rests upon His shoulder.” Daniel prophesied that God would grant Him power, glory, and a Kingdom that all peoples would serve. Despite His teaching in a remote corner of the world, the psalmist proclaimed, “He shall rule from sea to sea, to the ends of the earth.” His death may have been that of a convict, but an angel foretold His eternal Kingdom.

Jesus is King not merely because of His birth or death, but because of who He is: the God-man, present among us. As St. Peter reminds us, we are redeemed not with perishable things but with the precious blood of Christ.

Many proclaim Jesus as Lord, yet some reduce His Kingship to a constitutional monarchy—one who is merely a figurehead, bound by the will of the people. We often try to shape Jesus into someone who serves our preferences, expecting Him to endorse our choices without challenge. While He understands our struggles, the real question is: Does He approve?

Jesus has every right to command us, and we have a duty to obey. However, unlike earthly kings, He is not a tyrant. This King chose to share in our humanity: He walked among us, felt our pain, and ultimately died so that we might live. He welcomes us into His Kingdom through baptism and nourishes us with His body, uniting Himself with us as the vine to the branches.

This King does not treat us as subjects; He treats us as friends. He lifts us from our lowly state and provides for our needs—giving us community, family, and sustenance. Even as His enemies, He died for us.

What does this King demand in return? He desires the one thing we can choose to withhold: our love. His demands are not enforced with legions but are invitations. He says, “If anyone loves Me, they will keep My word, and My Father will love them.” His royal command is simple: love one another as He has loved us.

The Church proclaims Christ as King, challenging us to see Him not as a constitutional monarch, but as one who rules through suffering and service. This King calls us to care for the elderly and the sick, to listen to the troubled, and to seek help when we need it. He invites us to knock, promising that the door will be opened, and to seek, assuring us we will find.

Jesus before Pilate reveals what truly matters: it’s not the state or self that holds ultimate importance, but Christ the King who beckons us toward truth, justice, love, and sometimes, suffering. Like Pilate, we face a choice: to accept and worship this King and all that He asks of us, or to wash our hands of Him.

In this moment of reflection, today, let us consider our allegiance to Christ the King. How do you live out His command of love in your life?