Monday of the Third Week of Advent
As parents we try our best to teach our children to be responsible, loving, hard working, and compassionate. A normal part of childhood involves a child’s questioning and sometimes defiant response to our directives. I can think of many times when after I told the kids to do something and they asked why, I responded, “Because I said so!”
What exactly does that mean? Inherent in this statement is the belief that I am the person in charge- I have the authority over the person to whom I am speaking. There is also the implication that just my words should be enough for you to follow the directions I have given. The hope is that when I speak as a parent with these commands, I am telling them to act in a certain way because I want what is best for them. It is because of my deep love and concern for my child that I direct them to do or say something because I hope to encourage them to grow to be caring, compassionate, loving and responsible adults.
In today’s gospel reading, the chief priests and the elders question Jesus about his authority. They question not only his authority, but “who gave you this authority?” (Mt 21:24) Jesus appeals to their ability to reason and understand the signs that they witnessed regarding his predecessor, John the Baptist. The chief priests and elders have seen the wonders of John and recognize that they may indicate a heaven-sent authority. But if they recognize that John was truly a prophet, then this implies that Jesus is the one who John proclaimed as the “Lamb of God”- a person of even greater importance than John. Jesus’ authority would in fact be God-given if John was the prophet before Him. The chief priests would then be not only challenging Jesus’ authority but in fact questioning the authority of God. They state that they “do not know” whether John was or human or heavenly origin. They indicate that they are unable to accept faith in Jesus and His teachings as a potential source of truth. Like a person of authority (similar to a parent) Jesus tells them “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Mt. 21:27) In some ways this is Jesus’ way of saying you need to believe me “because I said so!” He does not need to prove that He is heaven sent and speaks truth. He knows that He has been sent by the Father, who gives Him all authority, and therefore His words should be enough.
As I look at my relationship with God, I think of the many times that I question Him. “Why is this happening? Why do I have to do this? Why should I listen to what you tell me?” I am in many ways like a child, and I question God’s authority and His ability to do what is in my best interest. When I reflect on this, it almost causes me to laugh when I think that I am questioning and doubting the omnipotent and wonderful creator of the universe! If I remember and live in the truth that I AM a child- a child of God- then I can recognize that the plan that He has will be truly in my best interest. Similar to a loving parent, He guides us to be loving, compassionate and responsible people if we will only follow His directives. When I wonder about the direction I have to take, I only need to stop and look to Jesus, and He will be the one to show me the way. Jesus’ authority comes from the Father, and He calls us to share in the love that they share. I imagine that if we ask about why we should do something, God would respond in kindness, “because I said so!” Just like the word and authority of a parent should be enough to direct a child, even more so God’s Word (Jesus) should be all we need to hear. We know and believe that we should follow His commands, since God speaks with truth and love. By living under His authority we become like Him- loving, caring and compassionate towards all of His creation.
"Heavenly Father, because you are creator of the universe, you have the authority to bring all things to good. You send your Son, Jesus to help us know your love, so we can believe and trust in your truths. May Your Holy Spirit give us the wisdom we need to listen, hear and obey You, so we can walk in your ways and become Your holy people. We pray this through Christ, our LORD. Amen."
- Marylynn Herchline