“Who knows?”
We often hear this expression in different contexts.
It is sometimes used when inquiring about a possible event.
One may wonder about the outcome of a given project and asks someone about it.
The answer comes: ‘Who knows?’
A person may inquire about the intention of a colleague regarding a possible decision.
The same answer is given: ‘Who knows?’
These words imply that there are a number of possible outcomes.
The expression supposes that different conclusions may be reached, or choices made.
In other words: the situation is, as we say, ‘wide open’ – some change may happen in the course of time.
It is interesting to see these words used by the prophet Joel speaking about… GOD!
In the 1st reading (Joel 2:12-18), we hear him say:
”Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing…”
As if God could change his mind!
We have been taught that it is not so, and yet…
Perhaps we need to switch things around, look at another angle of the situation –
the situation of… our relationship with God…
If WE change, if we return to him as he asks us to do…
‘Who knows?’ we may come to see him as he really is:
“gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love…”
Perhaps this is what Lent is all about: OUR changing so we may see God as he is…
as he wants to be for us: always ready to “leave behind a blessing…”
Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/mercredi-des-cendres-annee-c-2019/
Source: Image: Pilgrim at the Crossroads – WordPress.com