Homily: Fourth Wednesday of Lent
Fourth Wednesday of Lent (Jn. 5:17-30) “Who is the Son of Man?”
Jesus referred to himself as the Son of Man. Other people want to call him the Messiah, but he seems to reject that title. Was he being humble? Son of Man could be taken to mean that he was calling himself “the Son of a Human Being.”
Where is this title first used? It is used in the Book of Daniel. Daniel wrote to a persecuted church at the time of the Babylonian Exile. He speaks of the great empires that had ravaged the world. He describes them as raging beasts. They were savage and they were only satisfied by devouring the people they conquered.
There would have to be a very strong figure to drive these beasts away. It would have to be someone who could slay these wild animals. And that someone would be the Son of Man. We might compare this figure to an avenging angel. The Son of Man was equipped with the power of God.
The Son of Man was gradually equated with the whole idea of a Mesiah (the anointed one). The messiah was a great leader who would unite Israel. The messiah was the one who would drive foreign powers away. He would restore Israel’s independence.
It is striking that people thought of the Messiah in these terms. He would be a violent figure who would destroy the enemies of God’s people. This was the type of Messiah that Jesus rejected.
He called himself the Son of Man. Was it to draw a contrast between the type of omnipotent leader people expected and who Jesus actually was.
Jesus was a suffering servant who would lead a spiritual conversion. The spiritual revival would bring about peace in the land. His was a non-violent revolution.
Reflection Questions:
1. Who led a violent revolution that changed the world? What were the results of that revolution?
2. Who led a non-violent revolution that changed society? Was there a different result?
Dear Parishioners,
Thanks to all those who came to the luncheon on Wednesday. Fr. Britto’s talk was well received. The last night of his mission is tonight in Orion at 6 p.m.
Remember that our youth are putting on the Stations of the Cross tonight at 5:30 p.m. This presentation was well received last year. Come and be inspired once again.
May Our Lady of Peace pray for us,
Fr. Mark