“What authority do you have to act like this? Who gave you authority to do the things you do?”
Jesus said to them, “I will ask you a question, only one, and if you give me an answer, then
I will tell you what authority I have to act like this. Was John’s preaching
and baptism a work of God, or was it merely something human? Answer me.” And they kept
arguing among themselves, “If we answer that it was a work of God, he will say, ‘Why then
did you not believe him?’” But neither could they answer before the people that the baptism
of John was merely something human, for everyone regarded John as a prophet. So
they answered Jesus, “We don’t know,” and Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you
what authority I have to act as I do.”
Reflect
What are you searching for? It may be fame or authority, wealth or power, or maybe just
comfort and a place of safety. For busy parents, it may be just a few minutes of quiet
relaxation. The first reading encourages us to search for Wisdom. This doesn’t mean
getting college degrees and reading challenging books (though those aren’t bad things).
Rather, the Wisdom often personified in the Old Testament comes from God; it is one of
the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Wisdom is a gift that helps us to understand God’s plan for the world and to discern his
will for us. We can find Wisdom by having a listening heart, opening ourselves to God’s
prayer. We grow in Wisdom by striving to make good choices, choosing to pursue God’s
will for us rather than our selfish desires. The more we make these choices, the easier
making them becomes. Wisdom begets wisdom. Too, our growth in Wisdom will make
us more aware of the times we have fallen short of obeying God’s will and turn our hearts
to repentance. A humble and contrite heart is wise indeed.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023