Open Hearts, Open Minds: An Advent Lesson from the Temple
Scripture Passage
Mt 21:23-27
When Jesus had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached 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 shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall 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 say to us, ‘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 himself said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
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Grace Prayed For
The grace of humility: Unlike the chief priests and elders who clung to their positions of authority, we should pray for the humility to recognize our own limitations and our need for God. This humility allows us to approach Jesus with open hearts and minds, ready to learn from Him.
Reflection
This Advent, the Gospel reading challenges us to consider the authority of Jesus. The chief priests and elders question Him, demanding to know where His authority originates. Their challenge, however, reveals more about their own hardened hearts than about Jesus’ true nature.
Jesus, with divine wisdom, responds with a question of His own, turning the tables on His accusers. He asks about the origin of John the Baptist’s authority. This question exposes their hypocrisy and fear. They are trapped between acknowledging the divine source of John’s baptism and their own refusal to believe in him. Their inability to answer reveals their spiritual blindness.
This encounter holds profound meaning for us as we await the coming of our Trinitarian God.
Firstly, it reminds us that Jesus’ authority comes from His divine nature. He is the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, sent by the Father to redeem the world. His authority is not derived from human institutions or earthly power, but from His eternal relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Secondly, it challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we like the chief priests and elders, closed off to the truth of who Jesus is? Or are we open to recognizing His divine authority and submitting to His Lordship? Advent is a time to prepare our hearts to receive Him fully, to allow His grace to transform us.
Thirdly, it highlights the importance of faith. The religious leaders refused to believe in John the Baptist, even though they knew his baptism was from God. Their lack of faith blinded them to the truth. Advent calls us to deepen our faith, to trust in God’s promises, and to believe in the power of the Incarnation.
As we journey through Advent, let us reflect on this encounter in the temple. Let us pray for the grace to recognize Jesus’ divine authority and to surrender our lives to Him. Let us open our hearts to receive the gift of His presence, the Emmanuel, God with us. And may the coming of our Trinitarian God fill us with joy, peace, and hope this Advent season.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Seeking Authentic Discipleship: The religious leaders were more concerned with their own authority and reputation than with following God’s will. This passage invites us to reflect on our own motives. Are we seeking to follow Jesus authentically, or are we more concerned with outward appearances and social approval? Striving for authentic discipleship, marked by humility and obedience, deepens our relationship with Jesus.
Daily Scripture Reflection
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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