By What Authority?

Gospel: Mark 11: 27-33

The opponents of Jesus want to know by what authority he does the things he does and teaches the things he teaches.  What rabbinic school, what council of elders, what decree from the empire has authorized Jesus to do what he does?  None exist, and so the only move is to assert divine authority, but Jesus does not do that either, knowing the problems that exist in verification and warrant in such an assertion.  

Throughout Jesus' trials before the religious and secular authorities of his day, he will appeal to two sources of warrant: the goodness of his deeds, and the truth of his words.  These two things alone are the evidence that someone acts and speaks with divine sanction.  It is not dependent upon an office or degree or dictate of any government, religion, or institution.  Authority comes from goodness and truth alone.

Many people have the authority of religious, governmental, and educational institutions but these are no guarantee that the deeds performed are good or the words spoken are true.  Sadly we have seen all too often that the opposite is the case.  But if we pattern our deeds and words on those of Jesus, seeking to insure that our deeds are good and our words true, then we can be sure we are following the Way of God in our own lives. 

Barren Trees and Empty Temples

Gospel: Mark 11: 11-26 

Jesus comes into Jerusalem and goes directly to the Temple area which he finds empty.  So he decides to go to Bethany and along the way he spots a fig tree with lots of foliage, but upon closer inspection it has no fruit at all.  At seeing the fruitless tree, Jesus curses the tree and it dies.  While this seems harsh, there is a deeper point at work here.

Both the Temple and the tree give the appearance of greatness.  The Temple is ornate, massive, and adorned with precious gems.  It is an architectural masterpiece, and yet it is barren.  It bears no fruit but instead it exists to exploit people financially.  Similarly, the fig trees looks quite impressive from a distance with its beautiful foliage, but as one gets closer to it we find the tree is without fruit at all.  Its outward beauty is deceptive.  

So it is in the life of faith.  Many people are impressed with outward expressions of piety, ornate buildings, and lavish vestments.  But where is the fruit on the tree - in our lives, and in faith communities?  This fruit is a life of mercy extended outward to others as the text states.  A fruitful life accepts the mercy of God for oneself and then offers mercy to others in all sorts of ways.  Today we reflect on whether our own lives as individuals and communities are working toward bearing such fruit.

Oh The Things You'll See

Gospel: Mark 10: 46-52

The very first experience of people having their eyes opened didn't go too well.  It was Adam and Eve after eating the forbidden fruit.  They saw what they really did not want to see, and in a way they really became blind, unable to see the original goodness of God and creation.  But is there a cure for this malady that we all have, this blindness to God's goodness?

In today's Gospel the blind Bartimaeus begs Jesus to heal him of his blindness.  This encounter will be the final one before Jesus heads for Jerusalem to face arrest, trial, torture, and death.  This is what Bartimaeus will see if Jesus performs this good deed for him, so Jesus wants to make sure this is what he really wants:  what do you want me to do for you?  Do you really want to see all this?

The voices of the world seek to prevent this from happening, but Jesus and Bartimaeus ignore them.  For we do indeed want to see this path of Jesus, for through it the entire world will be healed of this blindness.  Through the death and resurrection of Jesus our sight of Eden will be restored; we will see the goodness of God and creation once again.  So we say with Bartimaeus: Lord, I want to see.