By What Authority
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Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Mark 11:27-33 - Jesus and his disciples returned once more to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple area, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders approached him and said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do them?” Jesus said to them, “I shall ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me.” They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?” – they feared the crowd, for they all thought John really was a prophet. So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.” Then Jesus said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Jesus said to them, ‘I shall ask you one question. Answer me…’”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
This event takes place the week before Jesus dies. He comes into Jerusalem, goes into the Temple, and takes over. He overturns tables, starts giving orders, starts making accusations… He makes a scene. The Jewish authorities want Him killed. So when they come to question Him, “By what authority are you doing these things,” He doesn’t answer them. Jesus doesn’t make Himself available to those who want to test Him, or exploit Him, or accuse Him. He makes Himself available to those who want to love Him.
If we want to grow closer with God, to really grow closer with God, we have to be sincere. God looks at our intentions. If God seems useful to us only when we need something: money, or help, or comfort—though perhaps He might give us these things—we will continue to miss the point. We will continue to miss God. We will never know God as our loving Father if we treat Him only as a genie. A real relationship with our heavenly Father is a terrible thing to waste.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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