DO YOU ACT ACCORDING TO GOD’S AUTHORITY?

Numbers 24:2-7,15-17
Matthew 21:23-27

The word of God is alive and active. The word of God uphold our lives. It is the source of our life, hope, peace, and joy. I believe in the Word, which we hold aloft, bless incense, proclaim, and, habitually, put into effect with courageous trust. It is the Word that proclaims a non-violent response to the power of evil. It is the Word that teaches love of enemies and those who persecute us. It is the Word that asks us to submit to God’s loving Will in total surrender. It is the Word that attracts, in the most mysterious ways, that which is broken, abused, addicted, disrespected and scattered. This Word has uncanny way of gathering into that Body, which it inspires, the Church. The Word informs those who strive to fulfill it like the birthing of a child. Birthpangs continue in the fight for justice for all. On it, a savior is born, and on this, the word incarnate is given and his authority stands firm forever.

In today’s Gospel, the religious leaders questioned the authority upon which Jesus was teaching and addressing the people in the Temple. Jesus turned the table around. Their hearts would not affirm the truth. They were all put to shame. There are moments in our lives that people will question our authority? Who gave you the power and authority to do what you are doing? We most note that the authority of God’s word is Christ himself who grants us eternal life. Remember, Peter says, Lord to whom shall we go. You have the source of eternal life.

Let us also examine ourselves in light of this text. On what authority do I act? How is our relationship with God? Do you take the authority of his word on you and act rightly upon it? Do you live by his word? We who have received the word with joy; our feelings have been stirred and a lively impression has been made; but, remember, that to receive the word in the ear is one thing, and to receive Jesus into thy very soul is quite another; superficial feeling is often joined to inward hardness of heart, and a lively impression of the word is not always a lasting one. If my mind remains as obdurate as it was by nature, the sun of the trial will scorch, and my hard heart will help to cast the heat the more terribly upon the ill-covered seed, and my religion will soon die, and my despair will be terrible.

Let your light shine in our hearts and our minds so that we may grow in understanding the truth of your word and find joy and freedom in living according to it. May we allow the spirit of God to dwell in our lives and may His power and authority surrounds us and dwell among us. Amen.

Fr Joseph Osho