“No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him” (Luke 10:22).

Notice the relationship language. To know God as Father is only revealed through the Son. To know God as our Father, we must first accept our identity in Jesus Christ as sons of God.

This reminds me of a question Jesus poses to His disciples on a different occasion: “But who do you say that I am?” (cf. Matthew 16:15). This question is meant to bring out the witness of God’s revelation, an understanding not from men but revealed by the Father himself: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father” (Matthew 16:17).

This same invitation to revelation is presented to us each time we hear the words at Mass, “Behold the Lamb of God.” Just as the disciples were called to recognize who stood before them, we too are asked to see and answer. As our eyes look up, our hearts perceive a whisper, a call, saying: But who do you say that I am? And in that moment, we are caught up in the loving relationship between the Father and the Son. Both, in one instant, reveal themselves to us.

And what is our response? “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

Flesh and blood did not reveal this to us… but it is the Father who has revealed this great mystery to us. We have been invited to share fully in the life of the Son.

“Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.” (cf. Matthew 11:25)

Let us pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.