Monday 16 December 2024

Today is Monday the 16th of December in the 3rd week of Advent. The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Advent Song’. You might recognise these words from our closing prayer each Advent using the ‘O Antiphons’. Which phrase describing Jesus stands out for you? God of wisdom Lord and ruler Root of Jesse King of David Rising sun King of the nations Immanuel Immanuel Immanuel Immanuel Lord Jesus, come Lord Jesus, come Lord Jesus, come Lord Jesus, come Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 21:23-27 When [Jesus] entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to 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, ‘I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?’ And they argued with one another, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say to us, “Why then did you not believe him?” But if we say, “Of human origin”, we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.’ So they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And he said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.' In this passage, the chief priests and elders challenge Jesus. The question of ‘authority’ is also a question of willingness to see our own preconceptions as something that may prevent us from fully welcoming Jesus. The temple leaders have come to believe that they own their power. They question Jesus’ authority because he is not one of them. Consider how much your sense of power or status means to you? When something new is revealed, in faith, in life, how do you respond? The leaders struggle to respond to Jesus’ question, trapped in their unwillingness to believe. How do you respond to the leaders' avoidance of the truth? Where in your life do you struggle to trust Jesus’ authority? “Why then did you not believe him?” As you listen to the passage again, consider how is God calling you to deepen your trust during this season of waiting? Take a moment now to talk with the Lord who comes to share his life with ours. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus