Monday of
the 3rd Week of Advent
December 14, 2015 8:30am
There is a phrase in the gospel
today that we hear three times: the words, “by
what authority.”
Some people ask Jesus “by what authority” he is doing things.
Jesus responds that if they first
answer a question he asks, he will tell them “by what authority” he does these things.
And finally, since they do not
answer Jesus’ question, he says, “Neither
shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
The issue is authority.
The root of the word authority is the word author.
So, people are wondering the
origin, the source, the power that is at the basis of what Jesus does.
Their question is a good Advent
question and my guess is that is why the Church places this reading here in the
Third Week of Advent.
As we approach the celebration of
Jesus’ birth, it is good to refresh ourselves on what we believe about Jesus’ authority.
If we believe that his authority
is from God, if we believe that he is the Word of God made flesh, then we in
turn will give him authority over our
lives.
We will allow him to have a say
over what we do and how we live.
So, Jesus will then have a say
over whether we take a second drink when we know we should not.
He will make a say over how much
we buy and whether we try to judge between needs and wants.
He will make a difference in
whether we try to get reconciled with someone with whom we are at odds.
So the words in today’s gospel, “by what authority,” are important.
If we recognize Jesus’ divine authority, then we will give him authority over our everyday lives.
