John 18 : 33 - 37
NIV Translation
33 Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
34 “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?”
35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”
36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
37 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
REFLECTIONS:
Thoughts from Monica:
Jesus is radical. Facing the impending violence of humans via a cross, he doesn’t get defensive or engage in a lengthy explanation to Pilate about the who, what, when, where, and how of his why. He’s calm: unworried, unoffended, unflappable.
He also doesn’t need us to fight or stand up for him (vs. 36). A Jewish blessing comes to mind, “May you be covered in the dust of our Rabbi.” It portrays a disciple's close following of their teacher. Our fruit of following is slow transformation, a walking pace (not a sprint). Like recovery, there are relapses and lows alongside the highs. But the overall trajectory moves toward the Light. In this becoming-process, we are drawn to hard places where others experience unbelonging, notice a new inner freedom despite outward tension, and find ourselves asking questions motivated by genuine curiosity and love.
As we experience this otherworldly solidarity with God and others (“Kingdom”), we find that God isn’t far off, hidden, watching from the clouds. We find Jesus here, and in others. He is the Friend who presently walks with us.
A Prayer for Solidarity
Almighty and ever-living God,
empower your one human family to join hands
on our journey of faith.
Send us your spirit of hope,
so that we may work
to alleviate human suffering
and foster charity and justice
in our world.
Amen.
PRACTICE:
Outward Mindset Application
Ask someone you work with: What are your needs, challenges, and goals? How can I better support you?
Non-Violent Communication Question of the Week
What’s an “I feel” statement you could say to someone close to you? What need comes out of that which hasn't been voiced yet?
Pathways toward Centeredness
Intellection (Loving God with the mind):
Read this short biography on the life of Christian activist, author, and mystic Howard Thurman (link below). Reflect on Thurman’s life of faith and action. End with a prayer of gratitude and whatever else shimmered for you.
Questions for Reflection
What’s one way I can embody Jesus' calm and unflappable presence when facing tension or challenges this week?
Where do I notice an untapped opportunity to walk closely with someone in solidarity, especially in places of unbelonging?
“Liturgy” refers to the habits and practices humans use to form community around shared values and meaning. At Church at the Park, we desire to be a community of practice, becoming people who see the world through the eyes of the marginalized, making meaning through the lens of pain and suffering, and committing ourselves to non-violence in a wounded world. This weekly email is intended to provide pathways of practice for becoming the type of people who embody these values.
Many of our reflections on each week's text come from other sources. If you're interested in reading more of what inspires us, here our our two favorite reflections.
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