Truth and injustice

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE
November 21, 2021

Jesus tells Pilate that if his kingdom belonged to this world, his people would fight to prevent his persecution. Because his      kingdom is not of this world, he does not have followers fighting to save him. His only weapon in his fight against this terrible    injustice is truth. Jesus came to testify the truth. As his disciples, we belong to the truth, so we are called to listen for his voice, seek the truth, and fight against injustice. In so doing, we can be, as the author of Hebrews wrote, made into a kingdom by Christ Jesus. We know that Pilate refused to accept the truth, but a few hours earlier another weak man also failed to face the truth. That man was Saint Peter. Peter’s fear of what might happen to him won out over his love of Jesus, his loyalty, and the truth. Pilate’s desire for power prevented him from accepting the truth, but fear also made him ignore the pursuit of truth and injustice. He feared that that mob could lead to his downfall with his superiors. We talk of speaking truth to power as if that would change minds, but it does not always succeed. Peter eventually faced the truth, weeping in remorse, but Pilate chose to ignore it to the end. Embracing the truth no matter where it leads us can be challenging. What truths has Jesus taught us? He calls us, not to personal glory or power, but to serve others. He tells us to sell all we have and give it to the poor, then follow him. He instructs us to deny ourselves and take up our cross. He claims that the kingdom comes to the poor in spirit. Jesus has testified to the truth and it is revolutionary. Amen. (Casey, Most Reverend Robert G. Pastoral Patterns. World Library Publication, 2021).