MEDITATION ON THE PASSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST: Jesus Answered, My Kingdom Is Not Of This World ~ Father Francis Coster, S.J

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Pilate Judges Christ (detail) 

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Jesus answered, my Kingdom is not of this world: If my Kingdom were of this world: If my Kingdom were of this world, my Soldiers would fight for me, that I should not be delivered up to the Jews; but now my Kingdom is not from hence. Pilate said unto him; then art thou a King? Jesus answered, thou sayest, that I am a King.

Consider first that Christ answered Pilate plainly, who dealt sincerely with him; but to the Jews, who went about to entrap him, he would not answer but adjured, For our Lord detesteth fiction, and with the simple in his speech.

Consider secondly that he applied himself to this Ethnic, deriving his argument from the use and custom of men. You mat understand (saith he) by this, that I seek not a Kingdom of this world, because I have no Soldiers, nor Champions for my defense. But with the Jews, that knew the Law, he used the Scriptures. Thou maist learn hereby that God seth all ways & reasons to convert thee and others. If thou wouldst consider those means, whiter Lord used to help and cure thee, thou wouldest admire Gods prudent love and charity towards thee.

Consider thirdly (My Kingdom is not of this world) He doth not say in this world: For he reigns in his Church, and in thee: But he saith, of this world, that is to say, It is not like the Kingdoms of this world, neither doth it consist in the multitude of Servants and Soldiers, nor in solemnity and pomp, nor in riot and bravery of apparel; But in the ornament of the soul, in voluntary obedience and multitude of virtues. And perhaps in this Kingdom of Christ there are more poor, beggarly, weak, and unlearned; then rich noble, might, and wise people. Be thou careful therefore that Christ may rule thee and thy affections, and reign in thee. For if to serve Christ is to reign, then Christ reigning in thee will make thee a mighty King, ruling over thyself, & the whole world.