Where and which Messiah? In the dilemma, the solution
(Lk 9:18-22)
People of God are no longer in the closed of a womb that protects and guarantees the believer, and sometimes we feel incapable of fielding the Risen One in our limits.
Indeed, the dream of a person who solves problems from the outside (like a shortcut) is still ingrained.
Chimaera fuelled by the bewilderment and anguish we feel in the face of a world marked by contradictions - today even by the bitter consequences of the global crisis.
The wish of a Messiah is kept alive by our trembling... in the waiting for intervention of Someone able to be [instead] inside ourselves and things.
That is why God does not turn to a valiant captain, not to a powerful ruler, not to a hero, but to those who offer love. And each of us could be, though our works seem sloppy in themselves, or far inferior to desires.
But Christ himself pours into them.
He is the humble Son, yet he does not play in defense: authentic Liberator.
Divine Glory has an unexpected figure. The Eternal is not a controller, nor a promoter of models that defend order, or [old or fashionable] beliefs, nor fine manners.
The secluded place (v.18) is paraphrases of our risk of misunderstanding.
Even at that time everyone was waiting for the coming of the Anointed of the Lord, but each sect or school of thought in its own way.
Some awaited a sovereign, others a priest, or warrior commander; a judge, a prophet...
All "masters", clinging to some social privilege. No servant, intimate to ourselves: full understanding escaped.
Jesus explicitly imposes messianic silence (v.21) because he does not follow expectations, hopes, intentions by the norm - all external.
In fact, he replaces the perspective of «”the” Messiah» ["that" awaited Messiah] with «the Son of Man» (vv.20-22): the true and full development of divine Plan for humanity.
«"The" Christ» according to the common mentality was a predictable figure, hard, too normal, fixed over time - who had no respect for personal processes - and overflowing with claims.
«Son of Man» is a Person without exaggeration: more intimate, true and profound; without too much method, nor typologies. Person who for this reason does not cease to grow.
In Lk all the important events of the story of Jesus are inserted in a moment of prayer.
It was not easy even for Him to be in tune with the idea that divine Glory could manifest itself in a totally unfavorable situation - only here and there pulsating of light.
And what do you say (cf. v.20)? To the great riddle, only God-man Crucified [the Different, and without reputation] is Judgment, and the Answer that frees from insecurity.
With our inner Friend who embraces, nourishes us and acts like a magnet, we will give everything to the Present - the better part. Closeness of Infinity and our eternal side.
[Friday 25th wk. in O.T. September 25, 2026]
