Daily Reflections ...

This is an enigmatic passage. At the heart of the text is the question directed to Jesus. Who are you?

Jesus’ reply shows his frustration at being asked this, for why haven’t they worked it out by now? Jesus has been revealing himself to the people as he has gone about his public ministry, but they are unwilling or unable to understand what he is saying about himself. And what he is saying is that he and the Father are one and that God has sent him to reveal this truth. He also foretells his death and states that it may only be when he is “lifted up” on the horror that is the cross that his true identity will then be revealed.

It seems that what Jesus is saying here is that the sinfulness of the people prevents them from understanding who he really is. Moreover, unless they can understand this, they will be left without the eternal life he is trying to offer them.

“Christianity is a person; a person lifted up on the Cross. A person who emptied himself to save us. He took on sin” (Pope Francis, Morning Homily, April 8, 2014).

by Janiene Wilson