Third Monday of Advent (Memorial of St John of the Cross)
– You can ponder on the picture. For a method of praying with pictures click button below.
– You can pray on the words of Scripture. For methods of praying with scripture click button below.
– You can follow the suggestions in the daily ‘Reflection’.
– You can listen to the music
Today’s Scripture
Matthew 21: 23-27 (WEB)
When he had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you this authority?”
Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, which if you tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from men?”
They reasoned with themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all hold John as a prophet.” They answered Jesus, and said, “We don’t know.”
He also said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.
Reflection
The religious leaders demand to know Jesus’ authority, hiding their lack of faith behind clever arguments and power plays. Jesus answers with a question that exposes their insincerity and challenges them to drop their defenses. Step out from behind your own intellectual armour and let Jesus look at the real, unguarded you.
Grace to Ask For: Absolute honesty and sincerity in my prayer life.
Examen: How open was I with God today? Did I try to hide my true feelings or flaws from God at any point today?
Today’s Music
Nada de Turbe| Coro & Orchestra NICOLA VITALE