This gospel reflection is based on John 18:33b-37.
Who Is This?
This man now brought before me This Jew who their leaders revile and hate Yet a strong yet gentle man now appears Accused of so many dangerous things Of whom they harbor such deep fears
He is calm and quiet and does not defend Accusations of such great crimes Still he remains a man of few words Responding in clear yet surprising ways Of him marvelous things I have heard
Testing, I see no crime nor any evil here Again I probe why they hate him so This one of whom so much they accuse Yet still few ponderous words has he to say And to defend Himself he does refuse
They say he claims a royal kingship Asking if not from here, then where? I scoff and sneer but cannot look away Accusing this man they again cry out Yet of his kingdom’s place he will not say
His eyes see me in a strange new way Yet I find threat nor malice here And wash my hands today of this man Yet louder they cry out for his death I must have peace yet do what I can
I feel his presence and gentle strength Amidst all his suffering and pain And wonder now with some inner fear Who is this man before me today Whose words are so hard to hear
Looking into the eyes of this king I see my pain and so much more Turning away, and to their calls give in This problem must not see light of day A riot and tumult must not begin
Dear Christ our King, Son of the Father You gave us your all to set us free And go to prepare a place for us Living and dying to show the way Help me in how I live and love To bring your kingdom to others today