By David Peter csc –
Readings: Num 24: 2-7, 15-17; Mt 21: 23-27
The first reading speaks about the third and fourth oracle of Balaam. In the gospel, we see that the authority of Jesus is questioned.
This passage is an interaction between Jesus, the elders, and chief priests. The chief priests, seeing all the extraordinary things that Jesus was doing and people following him, looked for an occasion to accuse him and today’s gospel is one among them. Jesus was calm in responding to them with a counter question.
We see that the question of Jesus made the Chief Priests and elders go in silence because of people’s understanding of John the Baptist that he was the messenger of God.
In our daily life, we all hold some level of authority. So, the question for us to reflect is, ‘How do I practice my authority?’ We see in the gospel that the Jews and the elders of the Church had the authority which they used for self-glory and their welfare because they understood authority at a human level. We see and believe that the authority of Jesus is from God, the Father. This made Jesus do wonders and bring life to people.
Dear friends, today let us realize that the authority we exercise is not for our goodness but to bring life to others. Let us not devalue others due to the power but treat everyone with respect and equality.