June 2, 2018

Gospel: Mk 11:27-33
They were once again in Jerusalem. As Jesus was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him and asked, “What authority do you have to act like this? Who gave you authority to do the things you do?” Jesus said to them, “I will ask you a question, only one, and if you give me an answer, then I will tell you what authority I have to act like this. Was John’s preaching and baptism a work of God, or was it merely something human? Answer me.” And they kept arguing among themselves, “If we answer that it was a work of God, he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’” But neither could they answer before the people that the baptism of John was merely something human, for everyone regarded John as a prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know,” and Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you what authority I have to act as I do.”

Reflections
What authority do you have to act like this? Who has not been disturbed by the image of Jesus overturning the moneychangers’ tables and setting free the doves? His violent outrage does not seem to fit our image of Jesus the Good Shepherd. Perhaps Jesus was enraged not by legitimate commercial activity within the temple precincts, but by the systematic exploitation of the poor devoted Jews who may have been cheated by scrupulous moneychangers and merchants. Jesus’ outburst was thus not a manifestation of moral imperfection — a violent temperament — but rather of moral perfection — courageous indignation over oppression of the weak and poor.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2018