Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation on November 24, 2024, the solemnity of Christ the King in Lyncroft Centre, Toronto.

John 18, 33: ’Are you the king of the Jews?’ Pilate asked. Jesus replied, ‘Do you ask this of your own accord, or have others spoken to you about me?’

Thinking it would placate Jesus, he had the inscription placed over his head on the cross: Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews. In Hebrew, Greek, and Latin: Jesus Nazarenus, Rex Judaeorum…  Different characters and languages that suggested his own universal kingship in the universal church.

Latin was the languages of the conquerors, Greek was more universal, like English today, and Hebrew, the local dialect.

Music: Regi Stone All Heaven Declares from Catholic Music Youtube channel

Thumbnail: Diego Velazquez, Crucifixion, 1632, Prado Museum, Madrid.