The Feast of St Lucy, Virgin and Martyr.

"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?” (Matthew 21: 23.... 27).

Monday 13th December 2021, 3rd Week of Advent is the feast of St Lucy, Virgin and Martyr.  (+304). Lucy died a martyr under Emperor Diocletian. Lucy was tortured severely before her death. The last thing the torturers did to her was to gorge out her eyes. Lucy is the patron saint of the blind and all those who have eye trouble. Lucy had been venerated as a saint from antiquity. Her name is included in the Roman Canon.

In today's Gospel, the chief priests and elders confronted Jesus over Authority. Consider the following facts:

The kingdom that Jesus came to set up has some commonalities with earthly kingdoms. For example :
1. King
2. A realm/domain
3. A government
4. Laws
5. Citizens

When Jesus threw out the money changers from the Temple, the Temple authorities were shocked and wanted to know who authorized Jesus.
"Where was John’s baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?” By this question, Jesus points to the chief priests and elders the existence of a different type of authority.

In the trial of the Apostles Peter and John before the Sanhedrin, we see the Teacher Gamaliel allude to a different authority:
"But if it [the power/authority] comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5: 38 - 39).

The Kingdom of God is already here and now. The Church is the seed of that Kingdom on earth.
Where does the Pope get his authority?  Jesus answered that question to Pontius Pilate:
"My kingdom is not of this world."
Jesus did not claim any earthly authority.

The critical question for us is:
Does King Jesus reign over our heart and mind and finances? If not, Advent is the Season of grace to place our life under the authority of Jesus Christ.

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