SATURDAY JUNE 1, 2024
EIGHT WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME B
ST JUSTIN, M. (MEMORIAL)
Jude 17:20b-25
Mark 11:27-33
BY WHOSE AUTHORITY DO YOU LIVE AND WORK?
The question put by the scribes, elders of the people and the Pharisees to Jesus in today’s gospel seems to be a central question which we need to ask ourselves today. The question is “By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do them?” In all our actions, inactions, activities, works, and life generally, this question is to be applied.
In the life of Jesus, there seem to be a growing concern to his actions, activities and lifestyle which somewhat challenges the most religious people of his time. The question as to who must be followed and who is right or wrong depends on what authority each claims to be acting or living on.
Getting the context right, Jesus was seen lately usurping the authority of the temple workers, driving out all those who were selling in the temple, overturning the table of the money changers and reestablishing and declaring the value of the temple as a house of God and house of prayer. Jesus equally rebuked those who turned the temple to become a place of hiding selling and buying or rather for the bad guys.
Even the temple priests and servants were not bold to have tried this radical action of Jesus by driving them out of the Temple. Why should a carpenter’s Son do such thing. What is propelling him into all such actions. Recall also that Jesus had claimed the authority of God which to them was blasphemy. Even though they could not fathom the boldness, because they had been marveled by the many miracles, healings, works of mercy and extraordinary manifestations of Jesus. Yet their refusal to admit these and acknowledge it has led them to deny and question the actions of Jesus.
On the other hand, Jealousy and intimidation have led these pharisees, elders of the people and priests who felt challenged by Jesus’ zeal, devotion and seriousness in the mission assigned and being carried our before the people. So for them, their knowledge of whose authority Jesus was acting was not far from their knowledge but the humility to accept and acknowledge what they could not understand was their greatest undoing and this revealed their weakness and unrepentance.
Throwing the question back to us as Christians in our journey through life, are we in the same state of mind as the Pharisees, the scribes and the elders of the people whose preoccupation had shifted from true religion to self aggrandizement and pursuit of shadow? Who knows the truth but refuses to admit and acknowledge it? Who lives in self denial of the essence of life and who have become so obstinate to real doctrines, practices and life in Christ, refusing to repent and sticking to our loose living and sinful habits?
We can veritable answer for ourselves the questions on whose authority we need to live, act and move. Let us continue to depend on the authority of Christ, keeping ourselves closer to him, with disposed minds to listen, to hear, to follow and to be immersed in his love.
Any other authority coming from self, selfishness, devilish intentions or self aggrandizement must be eschewed and removed from our lives. Renew your resolve therefore to be propelled by divine wisdom and loving concern for God and God alone.
For today’s prayer, kindly offer it for my intentions as I mark my 56th birthday.
Thank you God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit for your gift of life to Fr Norbert Uchuno. Particularly, we thank you for leading him to a successful surgery. To you be glory and honour both now and forever. As he recover, grant him permanent and speedy recovery. Grant him greater understanding of your ways, may his life always delight and conform to your wise teachings. Watch over his life and grant him greater love of you, more fruitful exploits in service of humanity and peace of mind through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
Happy New Month and be filled with God’s abundant blessings.
