So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.”
Matthew 21:27
Reflection
The chief priests and elders approach Jesus while he teaches in the temple. They ask him under whose authority he teaches, and Jesus says he will answer them if they can tell him if John’s baptism was of human or heavenly origin. The chief priests know they are trapped by any answer they give, so they reply that they do not know; because of this, Jesus does not tell them where his authority comes from.
By questioning Jesus’ authority, the elders and chief priests are caught in a conundrum posed by Jesus’ question. Either answer they give will make them look like fools. It is a good thing to question and learn, especially when we are curious about our faith, but it should be done in a humble and genuine manner.
Jesus doesn’t set out to ‘trick’ us, but if we approach our curiosity arrogantly, thinking we know best, we might be made to look like fools. If we instead approach Christ humbly, genuinely searching for truth, he will not hesitate to show us, even if we don’t understand right away. What is Jesus trying to reveal to you in your quest for truth?
Saint of the Day
St. Mary di Rosa: 1813 – 1855
| “Take care of even the smallest things, especially any lack of charity.” St. Mary di Rosa |
The Healing Word 