Presence

Lord, when I am feeling lonely,
remind me of Your promise,
“You are never alone,
I am with you always,
yes, to the end of time.” (Matthew 28:20)

Freedom

Lord you gave me life and the gift of freedom.
Through Your Love I exist in this world.
May I never take the gift of life for granted.
May I always respect the right to life of others.

Consciousness

Lord, I bring to mind everyone who has asked for my prayers, and lay them at your feet, along with all my own needs and burdens.

The Word of God

³³Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” ³⁴Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” ³⁵Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” ³⁶Jesus answered, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom belonged to this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” ³⁷Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that 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.”

Inspiration

Jesus was a king of a different kind, as was his kingdom, not being of this world. He was a spiritual leader who came to bring the fullness of life to his followers. Lord, you desire your way of love to rule our hearts so that we may be one in you and with you.

Pilate’s image of a king was of one of an earthly realm, with power and might. Jesus’ kingdom was where his way and word would find a home in the human heart and give direction to life. May that kingdom of Jesus come, one of love and peace that will transform our lives and relationships, and inform all we do.

Conversation

What feelings, questions, doubts or inspirations does today’s Gospel stir in me? Can I bring all that I am feeling and thinking to Jesus, in the comforting knowledge that He is really here with me?

Conclusion

I thank God for these few moments we have spent alone together and for any insights I may have been given concerning the text.

Amen