Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17, Psalm 25:4-9, Matthew 21:23-27
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AUTHORIZATION CODE
"On what authority are You [Jesus] doing these things? Who has given You
this power? " —Matthew 21:23
There are two ways to ask the above questions. One way is to honestly
examine the astounding works Jesus did and to humbly seek out the source
of His power (see Acts 17:11). Such an individual wants to know Jesus'
ultimate authority because he wishes to submit to it. This person can be
said to be seeking the Father.
Another way to ask these questions is not so much to find out the true
answer, but to inquire with the aim of handcuffing Jesus and preventing
Him from exercising further authority. Such individuals wish to control
their own lives, and don't want interference from Jesus or the heavenly
Father (see Jn 5:40). As long as the Lord allows things to go as they
prefer, they will allow Him to continue to work in their lives. When the
Lord takes authority in a manner opposed to their will, they start asking
questions. Modern versions of these 2000-year-old questions might be:
* "My sins aren't as bad as hers. Who are these people to say I should
go to Confession?"
* "Who gave the Church the right to say that I can't use birth
control?"
* "So I cheated on my taxes. The Church gets enough money from me. Who
does Father Smith think he is to tell me how to run my finances?"
Sadly, when we question Jesus for the purpose of tying His hands in our
lives, He will respect our decision for quite some time — before He
exercises final authority on Judgment Day. May many thousands of people
accept Jesus' authority today, while they still have time.
Prayer: Father, have Your way in my life. I am all Yours.
Promise: "Good and upright is the Lord; thus He shows sinners the
way." —Ps 25:8
Praise: It was in the darkest prison that St. John wrote some of his most
beautiful work.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
December 1, 2009 through January 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, June 4, 2009
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.
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