Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? ...Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? (John 18: 33-38,KJV)
Pontius Pilate’s final question is especially relevant to our own time when lying is an accepted form of public discourse, disagreeable facts are dismissed as “fake news,” and crimes against humanity are labeled as “special military operations.” The Roman governor of Judea may wield the authority of one of the largest empires in history, but he will be the ultimate loser in this showdown with Christ who speaks for truth and a kingdom not of this world where mourners are comforted, peacemakers are blessed, and the pure in heart see God. Ivanka Demchuk, one of my featured group of Ukrainian Greek Catholic icon makers from Lviv, offers us an image of this encounter between two kinds of power rich in symbolism. The mockers of Christ occupy a sepia-toned moment of human history, torn like a scroll to reveal a glimpse of the coming divine kingdom in dazzling white. Christ's vivid red garment marks him as the sacrificial lamb, just as the water Pilate uses to wash his hands and absolve himself of responsibility in the Crucifixion is blood-colored. And the way to Golgotha, marked by black and white tiles, leads out of the picture space and into God's plan for human redemption. Pray for the Peace of Ukraine! (John Kohan)