Introductory Prayer: O Christ the Eternal King, help me follow you until death.

Petition:  Lord set up your law of love in my heart.

Gospel: Jn 18: 33-37

Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" Pilate 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?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from 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." Pilate 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."

1.  "Jesus Answered, 'My Kingdom Is Not from this World.'"

Last year November 20, 2005 in Jalisco stadium in Mexico City, José Sanchez del Rio was proclaimed Blessed by the Church.  The Mexican boy was 13 years old dying for Christ the King. He died in the religious persecution in Mexico in the late 1920s. As the boy was being mentioned, thousands roared in unison - Viva Cristo Rey y la Virgen de Guadalupe! (Long live Christ the King and Our Lady of Guadalupe!). It may occur in our lives that when we try to please Christ in all that we say or do, the world may oppose or even rebuke the attempt. If we give Christ the completeness of our lives, we are bound to come across a sly remark, a sneer or two.  We would only understand that Jesus expressed it before Pilate, my kingdom is not of this world. If it is not of this world then the world will not tolerate such radical upholding of it on any one's part simply because of ignorance.

2.  "But As It Is, My Kingdom Is Not from Here."

Where does the Kingdom of Christ come from? It comes from his heart. In Luke's gospel the mystery of his Kingdom is more intelligible: "You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom. The communion with Jesus in his Kingdom happens perhaps after a withstanding with Jesus in a number of trials. We do not need to invent and choose our battles, they come by themselves. Being controversial or imposing is not asked for, even though these methods will soon bring one down to bearing trials. Rather, not looking for a fight doing God's will, being humble, being obedient and serving everyone with meekness and kindness will set up a sort of "Custard's Last Stance".  The goal is to be with Christ not so much endure flack. Now, being with Christ will without a doubt require plenty of flack.

3. "Everyone Who Belongs to the Truth Listens to My Voice."

 Once when I was living in Germany I was participating with young people in a round circle discussion about abortion. One person present was convinced that the human embryo in a woman's body was not necessarily human. The person stressed the fact that it could easily be an undetermined piece of meat; it might as well could be an elephant. That day I confess, I could not follow the argument. My logic tells me that if there is an embryo (or a piece of meat) in the womb of a human female being then it is absolutely a human embryo. It takes humility to recognize the truth.  November 30, 2005 the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI had this to say: "Whoever seeks peace and the good of the community with a pure conscience, and keeps alive the desire for the transcendent, will be saved even if he lacks biblical faith". I think this statement should usher us to reflect on the need of humility. To be a saint without biblical faith is hard but certainly true humility inserts one in the realm of subtly listening to Christ's voice.

Conversation with Christ:  Lord Jesus, you are the King of the Universe. I truly believe in this, therefore I will make every effort through your grace to project my life in union with your love, your criteria, your insights and your desires. I will consult and match you before I make my decisions that are small or deep.

Questionnaire:   This optional questionnaire is intended to help you evaluate your life in light of the inspirations God just gave you in these moments you spent with him in prayer.

1. How is my prayer? Could I say that my prayer is at the point where Christ would tell me; you have endure with me in all my trials. Or is our prayer a mere getting out a jam so I could feel better?

2. How often do I cultivate the theological virtues of faith, hope and love throughout the day? Do I ever visit the Blessed Sacrament outside Mass time?

3. How humble am I? Do I realize that my being a creature invites me to depend on God's love and mercy instead of inventing the wheel with prideful opinions that cater my interests along the lines of mediocrity and comfort seeking?