Thursday, September 22, 2011

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Today’s text

Matthew 21:23


He had gone into the Temple and was teaching, when the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him and said, 'What authority have you for acting like this? And who gave you this authority?'

Reflection

Acting like what, Jesus? What were you doing to attract this challenge?

Those who obey the rules and follow the norm do not attract the interest of the big shots who run things. But you did something to threaten the daily order and those who control it.

Challenge was inevitable. Quickly, came voices telling you to stop, demanding, ‘who gives you the right to do this?’

The temple authorities were more interested in your authority to do things than in the things you were doing. But what were you doing to upset them?

You spoke, Jesus, and human hearts filled with hope. Wounded souls felt the loving goodness of the Father, the Loving Mystery who treasured them from all eternity.

You touched their bodies and souls, awakening freshness of heart and spirit in those whose ears were eager to hear. You called them to change their hurtful ways, and they turned to heal what was wounded between them.

Souls burdened and earthbound took flight in your nearness. Lighter than air, they took flight, basking in the crystal blue sky of the Father’s goodness. Their hearts swelled, and they knew that the joyous life that filled and surrounded them was the real truth of this life … and of their eternity.

This is what you did, Jesus. But by what authority?

The answer to their question should have been obvious: By the authority of the One, who wants us to live, the One who is Life, the Loving Mystery who takes pleasure in the death of no one.

Pr. David L. Miller

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