Episode 1770: If I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?

I want to try something new with you. I want to take the mystery of the rosary and bring it forward today and apply it to our lives to today and bring it back to life.

We hear about a Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández who was born in Argentina in 1962, he is a theologian and currently the head of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith at the Vatican. Priest: August 15, 1986, in Río Cuarto, Argentina.
Bishop: June 15, 2013, in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was appointed titular archbishop of Tiburnia on May 13, 2013, before receiving his episcopal consecration.
Cardinal: September 30, 2023, in a consistory held by Pope Francis at the Vatican.
It's important to note that Cardinal Fernández held the position of Archbishop of La Plata from 2018 to 2023 before being appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith in July 2023.
He authored an explicit book about homosexual” Mystical Passion: Spirituality and Sensuality” 1998 This book has recently been in the news due to its graphic descriptions of sexuality relations in favor of homosexual relations and so explicit all it could do is harm the faithful and yet Pope Francis made him a Cardinal after this book was published. Not only should he have been laicized for that writing but never every promoted. We live in a time where we must speak the truth and if not we are culpable.
Okay so let me move forward and tie this in with the episode for today
When I say the Sorrowful mysteries at EA I try to meditate extremely hard on all that was going on during Christs Passion. One of the areas that highly intrigues me, btw, I absolutely love putting myself there as it was happening, is when Jesus is brought before Caiphas. The scripture reading that explains this exchange is Matthew 26:57-68 so let me read it to you.
But they holding Jesus led him to Caiphas the high priest, where the scribes and the ancients were assembled. And Peter followed him afar off, even to the court of the high might see the end.
Now lets stop here. So we know Christ was brought to Caiphas before Pilate and Herod. So this is the setup meeting. The Sanhedrin Guards has apprehended Christ in the Garden, and their first stop is Caiphas. Okay lets continue.
And the chief priests and the whole council sought false witness against Jesus, that they might put him to death. And they found not, whereas many false witnesses had come in.
Lets stop again. Who were the “Whole Council”? Includes members of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish religious and judicial council. The Sanhedrin was composed of various groups, including chief priests, elders, and scribes. It was the highest legal, legislative, and judicial body among the Jews during that time.
The specific members present at any given moment might vary, but the key figures include the high priest Caiaphas, elders, and scribes. The elders and scribes represented various factions within the Sanhedrin.
It's important to note that the Sanhedrin was not a fixed group of individuals but rather a council with a rotating membership that included the high priest and other prominent figures of the Jewish religious establishment.
Okay lets continue.
And last of all there came two false witnesses: And they said: This man said, I am able to destroy the temple of God and in three days to rebuild it.
John 2:19 Jesus says:
"Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days."
Jesus was referring to the temple of his body, not the physical temple building. This statement was later misunderstood and misused by false witnesses during his trial.
And the high priest rising up, said to him: Answerest thou nothing to the things which these witness against thee?
But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest said to him: I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us if thou be the Christ the Son of God.
Now why did Cephas ask him this specific question? Well because Christ actually call God his own Father, making himself equal with God and that is why Jesus responds
Thou hast said it. Nevertheless I say to you, hereafter you shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of the power of God and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Now why did Christ say that at once? He was making a reference to several Old Testament passages that speak of a divine figure coming in glory. Breaking it down:
"Son of Man": This title comes from the book of Daniel in the Old Testament (Daniel 7:13-14), where a figure called the "Son of Man" is given authority and dominion by God. Jesus often used this title to refer to himself.
"Seated at the right hand of Power": This imagery conveys a position of authority and honor. Sitting at the right hand was a symbol of sharing in the sovereign rule and authority of God.

"Coming on the clouds of heaven": This phrase is also rooted in Old Testament prophecies, such as Daniel 7:13 and Zechariah 12:10. It signifies a divine, triumphant arrival. The use of clouds often symbolizes the glory and majesty associated with God's presence.
In essence, Jesus is asserting his identity as the divine Son of Man who, despite facing humiliation and death at that moment, will ultimately return in glory and authority. This declaration points to the future fulfillment of God's plan and the establishment of Jesus' kingship.
Now Cephas would have known scripture very well and therefore knew Christ was declaring himself as the Mesiah scriptures spoke about and he could not accept that at his time for two reasons 1) he was hardened of heart 2) It would usurp his authority.
Then the high priest tore his garments, saying: He hath blasphemed: What further need have we of witnesses? Behold, now you have heard blasphemy. But they answering, said: He is guilty of death.
So Cephas need to charge him so he could be put to death and out of his hair. He got what he wanted out of Christ.
Then did they spit in his face and buffeted him. And others struck his face with the palms of their hands, Saying: Prophesy unto us, O Christ. Who is he that struck thee?
Luke 22:64, it is mentioned:
"They blindfolded him and demanded, 'Prophesy! Who hit you?'"

The mocking and physical abuse inflicted upon Jesus were acts of cruelty and derision. The slapping or striking of Jesus' face, accompanied by the sarcastic demand for him to prophesy and identify the one who struck him, was intended to mock his claims of being the Christ, the Son of God. The attackers were essentially challenging Jesus to demonstrate his prophetic abilities by identifying the person who had struck him.
John 18:22-23 records the incident:
When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. 'Is this the way you answer the high priest?' he demanded. 'If I said something wrong,' Jesus replied, 'testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?'"
Jesus is challenging the unjust treatment he is receiving. The essence of his words can be understood in a few ways:
Appeal to Justice: Jesus is essentially asking for a fair trial. If he has said something incorrect or deserving of punishment, he invites his accusers to present evidence or witnesses against him. On the other hand, if he has spoken the truth, he questions the need for physical abuse.
Highlighting Injustice: By asking why he is struck if he spoke the truth, Jesus is drawing attention to the unfairness of the situation. He is presenting himself as a victim of unjust aggression and violence.
Asserting Innocence: Jesus, throughout his trial and crucifixion, is portrayed as innocent and without sin. This statement aligns with the broader narrative in which Jesus willingly suffers for the sins of humanity, maintaining his innocence in the face of false accusations.

Overall, Jesus' words in this context reflect his commitment to truth, justice, and his willingness to endure mistreatment in fulfillment of his redemptive mission.

So just this exchange alone is such an excellent mediation thought while saying the sorrowful mystery. I use this as a mediation during the 2nd sorrowful mystery. I actually start this mediation during the beginning of the 2nd sorrowful mystery “Scourging at the Pillar”.
Now let me relate this to the Church today:
But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?
Is this how we as Traditional Catholic feel with our current Church Leaders. Not that I am saying our Bishops and Pope are the modern-day chief priest and the whole council but that wouldn’t be too far of a stretch.
Do they honestly believe that Christ is the Son of man sitting on the right hand of the power of God? I mean do they really and not just lip service like Cephas but honestly believe this. Well if they did why do they attack his traditional mystical body every chance they get? Why do they allow for the sacrilegious reception of holy communion? Why do they make it exceedingly difficult for the faithful to receive the sacrament of confession? Why during covid did they feel that the government had more authority than Christ, how were they not the very same High Priest that called out to Pilate “We have only one king and that is Ceasar.”
No I do not think it is a far stretch but let us always remember that even when Christ was being nailed to the Cross he said, “Forgive them Father for they know not what they do.” In my heart I honestly believe our current church hierarchy have no idea how many souls they are leading to hell by both their actions and inactions and instead of dwelling on that lets pray for them and dwell on Christ as a humble sacrificial lamb but never stop saying But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?
Because not to resist the current Church hierarchy is to be guilty of a greater sin. That of indifference.
We hear about a Cardinal Fernandez who authored an explicit book about homosexual relations in favor of them and so explicit all it could do is harm the faithful and yet Pope Francis made him a cardinal after this book was published. Not only should he have been laicized for that writing but never every promoted. We live in a time where we must speak the truth and if not we are couplable.
Now go out there and convert somebody to the true Catholic Church and faith. Good day!