What is the Kingdom of Jesus? We have to stretch our Catholic imagination to see with the eyes of faith.

The prophet Daniel tells us that the Son of Man has everlasting dominion. The world will not take away or destroy this Kingdom. The citizens of this Kingdom are all-inclusive in that all people, nations, and languages will serve the king. All people will know him.

The psalmist proclaims that he is robed in splendor and majesty. He is mighty in strength, and all his subjects trust his decrees.

The opening of the Second Reading from Revelation identifies this king. Jesus is king because he has dominion over the living and the dead through his dying and rising. He is king, for he has freed us from the greatest oppression of sin. Revelations add that every age in history will see this king. He comes marked with the nails of his passion, standing on the clouds as the Alpha and Omega.

Today’s Gospel contrasts starkly. Here, we see a temporal ruler who received Jesus. It is interesting that in the Nicene Creed, Pilate is named. Under Pilate, the Almighty King has suffered. The naming of Pilate allows us to feel the force of Jesus’ presence in history. Naming Pilate allows us to feel the suffering of Jesus in the hands of his enemy. His nation and chief priests captured him. In this dialogue, Jesus says he has come to testify to the truth. The Gospel ends with the words of Jesus, “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”

I often wonder what admittance into this Kingdom will be like at the end of my life. I imagine that Jesus will be with me. He will reveal all the truths, reasons, and meanings behind every action and event of my life. It is a terrifying yet purifying idea. Jesus will reveal this patiently and honestly. After all, he is not in a rush—it’s eternity. He will do this with love and mercy as my soul will be purified in the fire of love. I can only imagine what it will be like.

As I live this life in his presence, I walk with him accompanied by the pilgrim Church. As we journey together to eternal life, let us remember to make the Kingdom a reality now.

When he was crucified his final words broke the chains of death, “It is finished.” This is often translated as It is accomplished, it is consummated, it is perfected. Jesus offered the perfect sacrifice to the Father. His work is finished. Is our work finished? Have we offered the perfect sacrifice to the Father?

Recognize him in the poor, the widow, and the marginalized. As we recognize him we will see the marks that won our salvation. Live life where everyone you come in contact with feels heard, loved, and served. When we live by the will of God, his kingdom is revealed and we live in his truth.

The Eucharist sustains us in our ministry, for it is the Kingdom revealed in wheat and grapes. When I consume him, I become what I eat. When he lives in me, this king becomes my center. He guides my waking thoughts, my examination at evening, and I abandon myself to his reckless love for me.

The closing of Handel’s Messiah is worthy of contemplation at the end of this liturgical year. This work sings of the King as Lamb. The Lamb slain, yet standing. The masterpiece concludes with an elaborate Amen. The Amen puts the exclamation point on the eternal truth of God revealed in Jesus.

Enjoy!