“Who is this man?”
The question is old…
In fact, it is over 2000 years old…
It comes at the last verse of this Palm Sunday gospel text (Mt.21:1-11).
People acclaim Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey –
they throw branches on the ground, they wave palms and they shout praises with joy.
But, some are puzzled and voice THE question:
“Who is this man?”
After the calming of the storm, the apostles were asking precisely this:
“Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mk.4:41)
They had heard people discussing among themselves saying:
« Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets. » (Mk.8:28)
The leaders of the Jews had asked him directly:
“Who are you?” (Jn.8:25)
Herod wanted to see him to make up his mind:
“Who is this I hear such things about?” (Lk.9:9)
Pilate wanted to know what Jesus had to say for himself:
« Are you the king of the Jews? » (Jn.18:33)
Years of exegetical research, centuries of theological reflection, a long list of Councils
have pondered over the very same question about… the Man-God, God-become-man…
Philosophers, historians, scientists, artists, believers and unbelievers alike,
all have asked… and they are still asking…
The question remains – now addressed to each one of us personally:
“Who is this man”… for me?
Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/dimanche-des-rameaux-annee-a-2020/
Source: Image: crosswalk.com