Mk 12:35–37
As Jesus was teaching in the temple, he said, “The teachers of the Law say that the Messiah is the son of David. How can that be? For David himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, declared: The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet!’ If David himself calls him Lord, in what way can he be his son?” Many people came to Jesus, and listened to him gladly.
REFLECTION
The rabbis accepted the Book of Psalms as written by David, but later recounted that because of its messianic interpretation. This unmasked their ignorance of the natures of Jesus.
The term “Christology from above” holds the view that starts with the divinity and pre-existence of Christ as the Logos. It became popular in the ancient Church, starting with Ignatius of Antioch. The term “Christology from below” refers to the view that begins with the human life and the ministry of Jesus. It is the dominant approach to Catholic Christology from the Synoptic Gospels to medieval period Vatican II and popular among liberation theologians.
Both liberals, who favor Christ’s humanity over his divinity, and conservatives who side with its opposite view, are hampering and thwarting the Incarnation. One wants a Christ with less divinity, the other desires only the divine nature. “Christ is all in all.” (Col 3:11). This is also the episcopal motto of my former bishop. Christ is undivided in natures, he is not either-or. The Synoptics and John presented a multifaceted Person of Christ that suits their individual community. Their presentation is not meant to “divide” Christ but a way to wholly meet him according to individual needs.
CLARETIAN COMMUNICATIONS FOUNDATION, INC.
8 Mayumi Street, U.P. Village, Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
Tel.: (02) 921-3984 • 922-00-11 • 921-28-59 Fax: (02) 921-6205, 927-7429
Bookstore: (02) 924-6835
Email: ccfi@claretianpublications.com / cci@claret.org
Website: www.claretianpublications.com