In the Gospel, we often read that certain important events happened in order to fulfill what the prophet had said. For example, it was important for the Messiah not to have his legs broken. He dies on the cross before they take him down, so his leg bones are not broken, but his heart is pierced. (See Jn 19:31-37)
Jesus read about Himself
The Scriptures do not tell us when Jesus realized that He was the Savior. According to Luke, at the age of 12, He already knew that His father was the Heavenly Father. Since this story in the Gospel is more of a foreshadowing than a factual account, we cannot be certain that Jesus knew who He was at the age of 12. However, we do know that He needed divine affirmation about His identity. For example, when He was baptized by John, He heard a heavenly voice. It is an interesting question how the real human Jesus carried the knowledge that His Father is God. Luke provides some insight into this. In the 4th chapter, we read: “When He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was His custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it is written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’ Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on Him. He began by saying to them, ‘Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.'” The Gospel never provides a psychological analysis. We cannot know how this self-awareness developed in Jesus. But can we say that after Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, there was no need for any more prophets?
The Marian Apparitions
According to the teaching of the Church, John the Baptist was the last prophet. However, the Catholic Church accepts certain Marian apparitions as true. These apparitions contain messages that point towards the future.
Many consider these apparitions to be fraudulent and dangerous. For them, I would like to say something reassuring. If we read many of the messages from Mary, we find the following consistency. Every message can be summed up in three key points. 1. Repent and do penance, for the kingdom of God is near. 2. Communism will arise, which will be strongly anti-church. 3. In the end, Mary will triumph and a world will come where the good will live undisturbed and happy.
Now we are waiting for the promises made in the 3rd point. The 1st point is exactly what is in the Gospel. We have bitter experiences with the 2nd point. And who is harmed if we wait for what was promised in the 3rd point?
Rákóczi Piroska
