Jesus said to them,
“I shall ask you one question.
Answer me, and I will tell you
by what authority I do these things.
(Mark 11:29)
True authority comes from God, not from human approval or recognition. We should be mindful of the danger of valuing human opinion over the truth. As followers of Christ, we are called to fear God more than man. Wisdom is important in answering difficult questions. Let us be thoughtful and wise in our responses, be open and receptive to God’s work, even when it challenges our expectations or understanding and especially when faced with challenging situations.
27 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 28 and said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do them?” 29 Jesus said to them, “I shall ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me.” 31 They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ 32 But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”—they feared the crowd, for they all thought John really was a prophet. 33 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.” (Mark 11:27-33)
In the realm where divine wisdom stands, true authority is not shaped by human hands. Not from applause, nor from mortal recognition, but from God, springs the genuine commission. Beware the danger, the human opinion's might, that obscures the truth, dims the divine light. As followers of Christ, in His path, we tread, fear God more than man, so the scriptures said. In the face of questions, complex and grand, wisdom is the staff we hold in our hand. Thoughtful and wise, let our responses be, reflecting His love, for the world to see. Open and receptive to God's work, we remain, even when it challenges, even when it brings pain. Understanding may falter, expectations might sway, yet in His divine plan, we find our way. In challenging situations, in trials unforeseen, remember His teachings, keep your spirit clean. For in every moment, in every situation, we are guided by His love, His divine creation.
Dear Lord Jesus, we acknowledge that true authority comes from You, not from human approval or recognition. Help us to always remember this truth and not be swayed by the opinions of others. Teach us to value Your opinion above all else, for You are the source of all wisdom and truth. As followers of You, we are called to fear God more than man. Instill in us a healthy reverence for You, Lord. Let our actions and decisions be guided by Your will, not by our fears or desires. Grant us wisdom, Lord, especially in answering difficult questions. Let us be thoughtful and wise in our responses, reflecting Your love and truth in all we say and do. Help us to be open and receptive to Your work, even when it challenges our expectations or understanding. In challenging situations, remind us that You are with us. Give us the strength to face these trials with courage and faith. Let us not be discouraged, but instead let these challenges draw us closer to You. We thank You, Lord, for Your guidance and love. We pray that we may always seek Your will in all we do. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
God keeps us from stumbling and be blameless before His glory. We should be aware and vigilant against false teachings and to extend mercy to others, especially those who are struggling in their faith. In our journey of building ourselves up in our most holy faith, we need to have continuous growth and strengthening of our faith through prayer, study of the scriptures, and fellowship with other believers. Let us continually abide in God’s love, which is the source of our strength and joy.
17 Beloved, remember the words spoken beforehand by the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 20 Build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit. 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 On those who waver, have mercy; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; on others have mercy with fear, abhorring even the outer garment stained by the flesh. 24 To the one who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished and exultant, in the presence of his glory, 25 to the only God, our savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord be glory, majesty, power, and authority from ages past, now, and for ages to come. Amen. (Jude 17, 20-25)
In the realm where divine love does play, God keeps us from stumbling, come what may. Before His glory, blameless we stand, guided and guarded by His mighty hand. Vigilant we must be, aware and wise, against false teachings that in shadows rise. Extend mercy to those who lose their way, in faith's struggle, be their brightening ray. In our journey of faith, holy and pure, continuous growth, we seek to ensure. Through prayer, scripture, and fellowship kind, strength and joy in God's love, we find. Abide in His love, a source so deep, in our hearts, His commandments we keep. For in God's love, we find our delight, guiding us through the day, guarding us in the night.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You today with humble hearts, acknowledging Your power and grace. You, O Lord, keep us from stumbling and present us blameless before Your glorious presence. We are in awe of Your mercy and love. Help us, Lord, to be aware and vigilant against false teachings. Grant us discernment to recognize the truth and courage to stand against falsehood. We pray for those who are struggling in their faith, may Your mercy reach them and may we be instruments of Your love and grace to them. In our journey of building ourselves up in our most holy faith, we seek Your guidance. May we continuously grow and strengthen our faith through prayer, study of the scriptures, and fellowship with other believers. Let us not become complacent, but strive each day to draw closer to You. Above all, let us continually abide in Your love, which is the source of our strength and joy. May Your love fill our hearts and reflect in our actions. May we love as You have loved us, showing kindness and mercy to others. We thank You for Your faithfulness and for the hope we have in You. We ask all these in the precious name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
God’s love is better than life itself. In a world filled with temporary pleasures, true satisfaction and fulfillment come from God alone. This underscores the supreme value of God’s love and invites us to cherish and prioritize our relationship with God above all else. Let us always have a deep desire and thirst for God in our lives seeking Him earnestly and consistently. Regardless of our circumstances, we are called to continually worship the Lord and commit to a lifestyle of praise and gratitude to God.
2 O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water. 3 Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary to see your power and your glory, 4 for your kindness is a greater good than life; my lips shall glorify you. Thus will I bless you while I live; lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name. 6 As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied, and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you. (Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6)
In life's grand theater, under heaven's shelf, God's love shines brighter, better than life itself. In a world where pleasures are but fleeting light, true satisfaction in God takes flight. Amidst the ephemeral joys that ebb and flow, God's love, a constant stream, does ceaselessly glow. The supreme value of His love, so divine, invites us to cherish, in His grace to recline. Prioritize our bond with God, above all else, in His presence, let every heart pulse. A deep desire for God, let it be our guide, in our lives, let His spirit reside. Seek Him earnestly, seek Him consistently, in every moment, in every memory. Regardless of circumstances, in joy or in strife, to worship the Lord, commit our life. A lifestyle of praise, of gratitude to God, walking humbly, under His loving rod. In every breath, in every beat, let our lives His praises repeat.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You today with humble hearts, acknowledging that Your love is better than life itself. In a world filled with temporary pleasures, we recognize that true satisfaction and fulfillment come from You alone. Your love is the supreme treasure, and we are invited to cherish and prioritize our relationship with You above all else. Lord, instill in us a deep desire and thirst for You. May we seek You earnestly and consistently, finding our joy and purpose in Your presence. Regardless of our circumstances, help us to continually worship You, committing to a lifestyle of praise and gratitude. In times of joy and in times of sorrow, may our lips always declare Your goodness and mercy. Let our lives be a testament to Your unfailing love, and may we always find our satisfaction in You. We thank You for Your love that surpasses understanding, a love that is better than life. We commit our lives into Your hands, trusting in Your perfect will. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
IV: The Full Revelation of the Mystery
THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS QUESTIONED
Mark 11:27-33
First Reading
The Letter of Jude
EXHORTATION
Jude 17-23
Psalm
Second Book of Psalms 42-72
ARDENT LONGING FOR GOD
Psalm 63:1-12
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
Related Blogs:
https://thepoweroftheholyspirit.blogspot.com/2024/06/by-what-authority.html
https://erosandagape-allbecauseoflove.blogspot.com/2024/06/keep-yourselves-in-love-of-god.html
https://myliferestored.blogspot.com/2024/05/greater-good-than-life.html
