Although brought before Pilate and bound with ropes, Jesus is still every inch a king. Pilate, though he had no visible bonds, is imprisoned by fear and ambition. In this encounter it is really Pilate, the Roman Governor, who is on trial. Is he willing to resist pressure and act according to his conscience?

The answer is "No" He is a weak man pretending to be strong. He is afraid that if he opposes the Jewish leaders they will report him to the Emperor, and he will be dismissed from his post. He will lose his little "kingdom".

Jesus is not afraid to lose His kingdom because it was God's will that His kingdom be established and this kingdom has its strength and vitality in truth, justice, love, peace and wisdom. It was not a kingdom of this world.

On this Feast of Christ the King, we could ask ourselves two questions. To what extent do I accept His kingship in my own life? How far can we say that Christ's reign is apparent in the society in which we live? We can only respond on a personal level. Christ is my King to the extent that I allow Him to be.