Monday of the Third Week of Advent, December 15, 2025

Gospel

Matthew 21:23-27

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?"

Jesus said to them in reply,

"I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me,

then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things.

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."

He himself said to them,

"Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things."

Reflection

In the Gospel the chief priests and elders approach Jesus in the temple not out of genuine curiosity, but with an agenda. They ask Him, “By what authority are you doing these things?”. This is meant to trap and discredit Him before the people. Jesus, knowing their intentions, does not react defensively or angrily. Instead, He responds by asking, “Where was John’s baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?”.

This response places the chief priests in a difficult position. John the Baptist was deeply loved by the people and widely regarded as a prophet. The leaders themselves did not believe John’s message, so they could not admit his baptism was of heavenly origin without condemning their own unbelief. Yet they also feared the crowd and the consequences of denying John as a prophet. Trapped by their own pride and fear, they choose the safest option by opting to not really answer at all... “We do not know.” This allows Jesus, to not have to respond to their original question either.

This Gospel made me reflect on how we respond when our own faith is questioned or challenged. There are times when people ask sincere questions, rooted in curiosity and a desire for understanding and healthy debate. Those moments can lead to meaningful conversation and growth. But there are also encounters where questions are asked not to seek truth, but only to provoke and argue. Jesus shows us that we do not have to engage every challenge, nor do we need to defend ourselves with anger or aggression. Sometimes the best response one can give is not to react at all. Silence, when rooted in humility and discernment, can speak louder than words. If we are shouting to prove ourselves most likely the other person will not be willing to listen.