Monday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Nm 24:2-7,15-17
Mt 21:23-27
“What authority have you for acting like this?”
Authority is the central theme for the gospel today. This came shortly after Jesus’ cleansing of the temple in Matthew 21: 12-17. The chief priests, elders and scribes would likely have witnessed Jesus driving out the vendors and other commercialised activities within the temple area the day prior, coupled with the curing of the blind and the lame. The temple is the heart and centre of operations for the priests; no doubt, they were still seething with anger when Jesus appeared again in their ‘territory’ and started preaching to the people.
Questioning authority is a welcomed approach in most societies today. By having the freedom to question and suggest, we not only create a more open culture where everyone has a voice and feels valued, we create far better outcomes from having the benefit of the collective voice rather than the voice of a sole authority. However, Jesus can sense the bluntness and sternness from the voices of the chief priests when they commenced their interrogation; particularly since they did not have the opportunity the day prior, as Jesus left shortly after the temple cleansing. The chief priests were all out to discredit Jesus, slur and insult Him in front of the congregation. Obviously, this is not the form of questioning of authority that we encourage in today’s context. When deciding to question authority, I think the best approach is to appear kind, curious and assertive rather than aggressive. With an intent of truly seeking clarification, any aggressive tone will likely put others in a defensive mode and defeats the purpose of questioning in the first place.
While I am supportive of questioning authority, the intent of the chief priests was clearly malicious without an ounce of desire in seeking truth or explanation. The reason for questioning should not stem from challenging, but rather clarification. Imagine if any individual is welcomed to take the pulpit and preach a sermon in church over the weekends without being questioned – the result will certainly be chaotic. In fact, questioning authority and the case being presented will enable us to have a deeper understanding of our faith and strengthen our relationship with God. Rather than consuming every information wholesale, being sceptical can protect us from misinformation and falsehood, which is extremely prevalent in societies today. By doing so, it brings about constructive discussion that can enable betterment in knowledge and understanding. Not everyone truly believes that Jesus is the son of God and has the appropriate authority; even with all the evidence and miracles presented, there were doubters then, and even so after more than 2000 years later. By embracing questioning, we can derive a greater sense of security in what we believe in.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Dylan Tan)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, the fear and worries in life that have made their residence in our hearts may have crippled us at times. While we worry for the future and what lies ahead, we know this is all a part of Your plan for us. Fears are mere trials of faith, and they too shall pass in due time. Purify our perceptions with Your words and change our feelings so that they are in sync with You. You are our most loving and trusting God, and so we too must continue to trust in You. In Your blessed name, we pray. Amen
Thanksgiving: Loving Father, thank you for granting us the strength to remain faithful to You always. We can rejoice today, for our hearts are filled with joy for simply being Your child. Though sometimes we may waver, we know that at the end of the day, You are always waiting for us to come home to You. Amen.
OXYGEN 
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