Monday, December 15, 2003
3rd Week of Advent

1st Reading: Num 24:2-7, 15-17
Gospel: Mt 21:23-27

Jesus had entered the Temple and was teaching when the chief priests, the teachers of the Law and the Jewish authorities came to him and asked, "What authority have you to act like this? Who gave you authority to do all this?"

Jesus answered them, "I will also ask you a question, only one. And if you give me an answer, then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. When John began to baptize, was it a work of God, or was it merely something human?"

They reasoned out among themselves, "If we reply that it was a work of God, he will say: Why, then, did you not believe him? And if we say: The baptism of John was merely something human, beware of the people: since all hold John as a prophet." So they answered Jesus, "We do not know."

And Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what right I do these things."

Commentary

The high priests approached Jesus to ask about his religious authority and the truth of his message. They were motivated by their evil intentions. But Jesus does not allow his truth to be revealed to them. He purposely hid it from them. This is what happens with people who approach the Christian faith with a bad disposition, criticism, or malice. They shall never have access to the truth. The gospel of God shall be hidden from them unless they have a change of heart.

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