Authority

Dear Abbey Members and Friends: Some thoughts for Tuesday in Holy Week…

A portion of Mark’s Gospel reading for today follows: Again they came to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?’

We know by what authority Jesus is doing the marvelous things that have led to this moment. His authority is from and shared with the Father. We share in that authority as believers in Jesus. We have spent the days of Lent so far attempting to mold our wills more towards God’s and less toward our own. Some have been much more focused and diligent in their preparation. Others, perhaps like me, have tried but have been sidetracked by work, children, grandchildren, etc. But we all can have confidence in our God that we have His authority behind all our endeavors. I believe it is critical that we acknowledge God as our source and strength to be able to tap into this authority. Second, I believe it is important to want (or have the intention) to align ourselves with God’s will. Having done these two things on our part, God opens a floodgate of grace and love to each one of us.

Spending these last few days before Easter to focus on God’s will and His authority in our lives will enable us to be more deeply joys as we receive once again the Easter news that Christ is risen and brought new life to us all.

Shalom and many blessings, George