Monday of the Third Week of Advent
Today’s gospel reading discusses the authority of Jesus. When I hear the word “authority”, I feel a little uncomfortable. I believe that many people have a similar experience because many of us have this sense that a person or group who has “authority” over us wields a power to tell us what to do. We resist this control because our culture encourages us to want to “do what we want to do” and not let someone else tell us what we should do (even if these things are good things like wearing a seat belt or not drinking the super size soda). Another reason why I believe many people question authority is because they find it impossible to believe that someone or some power could actually have their best interest in mind. There is always this underlying suspicion that the person who wields the authority is really making decisions that will benefit them- not us.
Today’s reading encourages us to reflect on the authority of Jesus. As Christians we are called to follow Him and His ways in all we think, say and do. It is only when we believe in his unconditional and limitless love that we will want to live under His authority. If we could really comprehend that God’s love for us is this great, not only would we accept His authority, but we would desire and pursue His ways with great enthusiasm. Unlike the authority of men, God provides directives that are completely based upon providing the recipients (us) with fullness of life. If we truly believe this, then we would not need to ask “by what authority,” since we would know that only God knows what is best for us and therefore only He deserves all of our trust.
In the gospel reading, the chief priests and elders ask Jesus “By what authority are you doing these things?” (Mt 21: 23) I suspect they feel threatened by the power that Jesus demonstrates as He heals the sick and proclaims the Gospel message. I wonder if they also have a fear that Jesus is doing and saying all that He does for His own gain, and not for the benefit of those receiving the message. Maybe they even wonder if Jesus is hoping to gain great power to usurp the control from the elders and chief priests. The elders go one step further and ask Jesus, “And who gave you this authority?” (Mt 21: 23) Jesus not only implies a divine authority for His works, but He claims John the Baptist and His preaching also have a divine origin. Instead of coming out and saying that He has divine authority, Jesus allows the chief priests and elders to reflect on the signs that they have seen. Since the crowds “regard John as a prophet” (Mt 21:26) this indicates that his work was not of human origin but from God. Jesus does not force His authority upon those seeking, but He calls them forth in faith to accept what He offers. Jesus says, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Mt 21:27) He is not trying to be coy, but is extending an invitation to explore and then believe in God’s unfolding plan that He is putting into place through the life of Christ. The elders still “do not know” what to believe, but hopefully they have started on their way to better understand that Jesus and His ministry will bring them fullness of life.
So what does this mean for us as Christians? How can we live under the authority of Christ? I think that it must begin with a deep realization that God is all powerful and all loving. The more challenging part is to recognize that God really does want what is best for us. Our human condition makes this difficult since, I believe many if not most of us find it almost impossible to believe that someone (or some power) could completely have our best interest in mind. I wonder if this is the reason why many people do not believe in God. It is particularly difficult to comprehend God’s all knowing and all loving care for us when we experience hardships, trials and suffering. How can we reconcile these challenges with our belief in His promise of protection and mercy? I think we can look to Jesus and His relationship with His Father to better understand how we are called to live under His authority. Jesus lived His life in complete obedience to the Father. He chose to live under the authority of His Father because He knew that His Father loved Him completely. In following His Father’s directives, Jesus lived His life, but in that living He also suffered greatly- His passion and death. Although the suffering of Jesus was great, Jesus is glorified in His resurrection. By living under the authority of His Father, Jesus is given power and glory. Jesus calls us to imitate Him this way. He calls us to follow Him in living our lives in obedience to His will. He shares with us His message of love for others and sends us forth to share this with others. If we live in faith living under the authority of Christ, we also will receive fullness of life- salvation. Every day and throughout our days we are reminded to seek the ways of Christ and live under His authority. Not only will we receive His mercy, protection, love and joy, but in our living we also become like John the Baptist- a prophet proclaiming God and His authority. As we approach this time before Christmas, may we come to understand in a deeper way “by what authority” Jesus has given His life for us, and let us follow Him in sharing His message with others.
Heavenly Father, you are creator and God of all. You have authority over heaven and earth. You share this authority with Jesus who shows us how to live in obedience to You. Send down Your Spirit and deepen our faith so we may walk in the ways of Christ believing in His authority and bring healing and mercy to the world. May our lives bring you glory. We pray this through Christ our LORD. AMEN"
- Marylynn Herchline