Not of this world
This reflection first appeared in The Inquirer, 8033, April 2022
My kingdom is not of this world – John 18: 36
As we remember Jesus on this commemoration of his death we recognise that he stood for all of us and especially for those who have been unjustly killed, all who have died as martyrs for God and for humanity. The abuse, the pain and the cruelty he suered were not his alone. They are that which is inflicted on so many men, women and children by those who abdicate their humanity to become instruments of evil. Today we turn our thoughts especially to the people of a crucified nation, the innocent objects of an alien aggressor’s malice. We pray for their deliverance. The kingdom Jesus claimed was not a kingdom of this world, of worldly standards, worldly ambitions, worldly arrogance. It is a kingdom – a realm – of the Spirit. It welcomes all who enter it without pretence, all who reach out with humility, reverence and loving-kindness to their sisters and brothers on this sacred earth. May we all be citizens of this kingdom, a kingdom that is in this world but not of it. So be it.
If you'd like to use this material…
Worship Words Licence – No adaptations
YOU ARE FREE TO:
– copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format.
The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the licence terms.
UNDER THE FOLLOWING TERMS:
You must give appropriate credit in a reasonable manner. This means naming the author (if supplied) and stating the title of the work (if supplied). This will not be in a way that suggests the author endorses you or your use.
You may not adapt, change, or remix the material.
You may not apply terms that restrict others from sharing the material in a way that the licence permits.
NOTES:
You do not have to comply with the licence for elements of the material in the public domain or where your use is permitted by an applicable exception or limitation.
No warranties are given, the license may not give you all of the permissions necessary for your intended use. For example, other rights such as publicity, privacy, or moral rights may limit how you use the material.