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“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.” Matthew 21:25–27
This is a perfect example of how not to live your life. But, sadly,
this is too often an illustration of the way many in authority do
live their lives. In this Gospel passage, we see the Pharisees
acting as what we may term “religious politicians.” A religious
politician is one whose religious convictions are decided in a
backwards sort of way. Ideally, we will turn our eyes to Christ and
all that He has revealed to us. This will produce the glorious gift
of authentic faith, and from that rock foundation of faith, we act.
But the Pharisees allowed their “convictions” to be based on what
they perceived would produce the best outcome at the moment. They
chose to say “We do not know” where John’s baptism was from because
they thought it was the answer that most safeguarded them from any
criticism.
As followers of Christ, we need to be ready and willing to suffer
any and all ridicule that comes from living our convictions of
faith in an open way. Faith will lead to charity, and charity will
always be grounded in the truths of faith. But when we live and
proclaim the truth, we will be criticized by some and will suffer
as a result.
This Gospel offers us all an invitation to reflect upon the
difficult truths of our day and age and to decide whether or not we
are willing to publicly profess the truth. Think, especially, about
the many moral truths of our faith that seem to be continually
under attack. Are you willing to speak your faith clearly, with
charity and with conviction, even if it means criticism from the
world?
Reflect, today, upon the backwards approach taken by the Pharisees
when they were confronted with a difficult question. Make the
choice not to follow their example, choosing instead the unwavering
convictions that you are called to embrace by your faith. What
questions are being asked of you today? In which ways are you being
tested by others? What is your approach to those tests? Do you
speak more like a “religious politician?” Or do you speak with a
clarity flowing from the rock foundation of your faith?
My Lord of all truth, give me the grace I need to stand firm on
all that You have revealed to me. Give me courage to remain firm in
the convictions of faith that have been given to me by You. May I
proclaim this faith to all whom I encounter so that I can be an
instrument of Your love and mercy to the world. Jesus, I trust in
You.
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catholic-daily-reflections.com
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Featured image above: The Chief Priests Ask Jesus by What Right
Does He Act in This Way By James Tissot, via Brooklyn Museum
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