Authority. We usually use the word it usually refers to legal authority, such as enforcing laws. But what if the laws are really illegal, that is, they do not conform with the powers granted by the Constitution? Of course, when questioned by the temple hierarchy, Jesus did not have the same kind of protections as we supposedly do.
By what authority? We face the same kind of questions today. By what authority does the Governor Texas usurp the federal role? By what authority do volunteers from groups like Humane Borders put out water so migrants in the desert survive their trek? By what authority do Border Patrol agents cut open the water bottles so migrants do not?
Jesus responded with “Render unto Cesar what is Cesar’s and unto God what is God’s.” Cesar has limited authority and can only demand the loyalty of the legitimate authority granted by our Constitution. Our loyalty to God goes beyond that.
Prayer for the Day
Afraid of the tasks to which you call us in our time, O God,
We confess our failures and our faults;
Content to leave your demands for others to fill,
We leave the poor in their poverty and the afflicted in their pain,
Forgive us, O God, and erase the habits of our uncaring,
And transform our words into action as you call us to do.
In the name of the Transformer of our lives,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Because power corrupts, society’s demands for moral authority and character increase as the importance of the position increases.
John Adams, revolutionary (1735-1826)
There is no moral authority like that of sacrifice.
Nadine Gordimer, writer, Nobel Laureate, activist (1923-2014)
Thus says the Lord: In a time of favor, I have answered you,
On a day of salvation I have helped you;
I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people,
To establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages;
Saying to the prisoners, “Come out,” to those in darkness, “Show yourselves.”
They shall feed along the ways, on the bare heights shall be their pastures;
They shall not hunger or thirst, neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them down,
For they shall be led to springs of water.
Isaiah 49: 8-10