By Fr. Paul D. Scalia, The Catholic Thing - What does it mean to be a king? That’s at the heart of the conversation between Pontius Pilate and our Lord. (see John 18:33-37) Pilate stands there as a representative of the Roman Empire, possessing some kingly authority and wanting more, seeing kingship as simply having power. For him, a king rules by force. Jesus, on the other hand, stands as a prisoner: chained, beaten, ridiculed. He has no country, no army, no arms, no allies – no forces whatsoever. And yet He talks about His Kingdom. ....