and they said, “Prophesy to us, Christ: who is the one who struck you?”
This saying shows the extreme expression of human mockery and blindness. Those who should have recognized prophecy now demand prophecy as an object of ridicule. The words “Prophesy to us” are sarcastic: they act as though prophecy were a game, not divine inspiration. Yet the reality is the opposite: by their words they themselves are prophesying, or becoming the fulfillment of prophecy without realizing it; by rejecting Christ, they carry out what the prophets foretold. This moment reveals spiritual blindness: the truth is mocked because it is not recognized. But in that very darkness Christ’s patience shines all the more brightly: He does not answer insult, because by His silence He bears witness to divine mercy.