The Power of “I Do Not Know”: The Refusal to Recognize Authority
“For the Souls in Purgatory – Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord”
Matthew 21:23-27
When he had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” Jesus said to them in reply, “I myself will ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Where was John’s baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?” They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will respond, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we fear the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet.” So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.” He in turn said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
Grace Prayed For
The grace of courageous commitment to the revealed truth of the Gospel, overcoming the fear of man and self-interest that leads to denial or spiritual indecision. The grace to confidently acknowledge and submit to the divine authority of Jesus Christ in all decisions.
Reflection
This passage places us right in the middle of a conflict of wills, and it is a powerful challenge to Advent vigilance. Jesus is questioned about His authority—a direct attack on His identity and mission. His response is brilliant: He redirects the question to John the Baptist. By doing so, He forces His questioners to confront their own denial of John’s preparatory message and heavenly authority. Their refusal to answer—“We do not know”—is not a lack of knowledge, but a fear-driven avoidance of commitment. They had the evidence, but they refused to acknowledge the divine source, choosing self-preservation over the truth.
My Trinitarian God, this moment deeply impacts me because it reveals the love and authority of Christ in confrontation with human fear. Jesus loved me and impacted my life by speaking the truth with unflinching clarity, even when it cost Him everything. He invites me to a faith that is not hesitant or calculating, but bold and rooted in the divine source. To grow in intimacy with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is to recognize that I cannot claim to prepare the way of the LORD in my own heart while simultaneously denying the authority of His messengers or His Word.
The chief priests and elders failed in vigilance because they were unwilling to commit. They saw the prophet (John) and the Messiah (Jesus) but refused to give them their rightful heavenly authority because it threatened their earthly power. My mission of preparing hearts and witnessing to hope requires me to be vigilant against this same temptation: the temptation to deny the truth of God’s love when it demands a difficult change or sacrifice from me. I am called to courageously affirm the authority of Jesus in every area of my life, allowing that deep love and sure authority to shine forth, not with arrogance, but with the quiet conviction that says, “I know the source of my hope.” This means giving a credible, committed witness that clearly proclaims the authority of Christ, not just in words, but in the way I live and act.
Daily Evangelization and Baptismal Mission
Speak Truth with Clarity (Restoring Clarity): Jesus affirms John as the one who prepares the way. You can do this by using your voice (in meetings, casual conversation, or social media) to calmly and clearly speak truth, justice, and charity. Preparation means clearing away the clutter of lies and cynicism. Example: Gently redirect a conversation from gossip to compassion, modeling the love and clarity Christ has given you.
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post