INRI

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

INRI

Name     Cross

Thirsting     Forgiving     Redeeming

That I am He

Christ

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   John 19: 19 to 22

Pilate had an inscription written and placed it on the cross. It read, "Jesus, the Nazorean, the King of the Jews." Now many of the authorities saw this inscription because Jesus was crucified at a place near the city. It was in three languages---Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. So the authorities said to Pilate, "You should change that and write that He said "I am King of the Jews" and not "The King of the Jews". Pilate told them, "What I have written, I have written."

(scripture adapted by John J. McNamara)

Reflection

You always wonder why Pilate wrote that inscription above the cross. Was he trying to be cruel? Was he pointing out that anyone who challenged his authority would be treated harshly?

This aggravated the authorities. Maybe they were thinking that some people might get the wrong idea. 

They knew that Jesus was popular. A great crowd had acclaimed Him when He came into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. 

Would an inscription like that stir up His followers? 

When they went to Pilate, they were probably thinking he would cave into their wishes as he did when they brought Jesus to him. Pilate discovers some courage and refuses them. He probably did not want to be bothered. He wanted to be done with this sad affair. He was finished with it!  

What is the connection between being a King and being crucified? It is pointing us toward a different type of kingship.

We are used to kings who seek power. Kings who like to gather wealth and power to themselves.

Jesus shows us what it truly means to be a king. Kings are called to put their people first, to think about their welfare, to work for their happiness.

Jesus is showing us how to live: be faithful to what God wants and not what we want. It is not about holding on to power or prestige. It is about loving and caring for others.

We have seen this time and again during the pandemic. So many people are putting the needs of others before their own comfort.

They are thinking about how they can help.

I was reading recently about some women who were moved to make meals for our frontline workers. They had no medical training and so they couldn't help out in that way with the patients who were suffering. They did what they could and showed their appreciation to all those who were putting their lives on the line for others.

Jesus shows us the way. We are all called to be kings----kings who put the needs of others first!

1. What does INRI mean to you?

2.  How are you called to be a king?