What Authority?
Monday of the Third Week of Advent
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Matthew 21: 23-27 – When Jesus had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” Jesus said to them in reply, “I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things. Where was John’s baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?” They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we fear the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet.” So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.” He himself said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell you…”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
How frustrating to be one of Jesus’ accusers! They never get what they want from Him. They are some of the great authorities and the great minds among the Jews, and they gather together to scheme, and to form their very best plan with which they finally approach the Lord. Then, in ten seconds, with one simple sentence, He completely thwarts their plans, and they look ridiculous. Let this be a lesson to us if ever we find ourselves disagreeing with God. He is the one who is right— always, always, always. Though God is always right, sometimes He chooses not to let us in on what He’s doing. It can be painful to want an answer from the Lord, and to have Him remain silent.
Sometimes God chooses to remain silent—even when we ask Him sincere questions. He has reasons for this! Sometimes God remains silent because we are asking for the wrong thing—something that wouldn’t be best for us. Sometimes God remains silent because we are asking in the wrong way—with a selfish or ignorant intention or reason. Sometimes God remains silent because we are asking at the wrong time—and God wishes to answer us at an even better time. Sometimes God remains silent because he is waiting for evidence of our faith—which He might choose to test or grow before He acts. And sometimes God remains silent for reasons that only He knows. Let’s never forget that God knows everything…and that we know much closer to nothing! God can always be trusted. He is more concerned with our happiness than we are! And God always, always, always is doing what is best for us!
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
