Mon., Dec. 14: Num 24:2-7, 15-17a; Matt 21:23-27

Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things. Jesus deftly parries the chief priests’ and elders’ questions concerning his authority, countering so as to make them demonstrate their own lack of authority. If they can’t say where John, Jesus’ herald, came from, why should Jesus be obliged to answer them at all? In fact, the chief priests and elders lack the basic attributes that would allow them to accept Jesus’ authority: trust, respect and humility. Instead, fear, arrogance and self-interest motivate them to oppose him. What prevents us from submitting fully to Jesus’ authority? As we anticipate our celebration of the Incarnation, what blocks us from knowing God-with-us more fully?

*For humble deference to Jesus in all things, we pray.