Working for the Word

Focusing the Gospel

Key words and phrases: the Christ, the son of the Blessed One; king of the Jews; Son of God

To the point:  Who reveals the identity of Jesus? Ironically, it is from enemies and foreigners that we come to understand who Jesus is. The religious leaders ask Jesus if he is “the Christ, the son of the Blessed One.” Pilate condemns him because he is the “king of the Jews.” But the Roman centurion confesses this man to be “the Son of God.” As we stand this day at the foot of the cross, what do we come to understand about who Jesus is?

Connecting the Gospel …

… to the Second Reading: This hymn from the Letter to the Philippians reveals even more about the identity of Jesus. He is the humble One, the obedient One, the exalted One, the Lord, and the Glory of God.

… to experience: We spend a lifetime coming to a deeper appreciation for the identity of another person, even someone as close to us as a parent, a brother or sister, a spouse. It is no surprise, then, that coming to a fuller appreciation of the identity of Jesus is likewise a lifetime process.

**From Saint Louis University