By What Standard?

Gospel: Mark 11: 27-33

The religious leaders of Jesus' time are in a dilemma regarding the question Jesus asks them about the baptism of John.  Their problem has to do with the fact that they are using public opinion to determine their answer.  Either way they answer, these religious leaders are faced with some group of people who will be upset by their answer.  So, they adopt a position of agnosticism on the question so as to avoid offending anyone.  In all this posturing there is the neglect of the question itself, the truth of the matter.

Very often religious leaders of all ages adopt this posture of considering the opinions of the public to the neglect of the actual truth claims at hand.  When one is entirely dependent on the donations of others for one's livelihood and comfort, this consideration sadly comes to outweigh all others.  It was this same criterion that the religious leaders of Jesus' time used in bringing him to trial and advocating for his execution at the hands of the Romans.  

Today's Gospel portion has us reflect on our own motives in discernment, deliberation, and decision.  What factors do we consider when we have to make important decisions in our life? Are we primarily moved by the opinions and good standing we desire with others, or are matters of truth primary? Jesus would no longer engage with these religious leaders when their motives became apparent, for how could he who is truth itself converse with those who do not regard truth in deliberations?