“By what authority are you doing these things?” - April 7

Today’s Readings:  AM Psalms 6, 12; PM Psalm 94, Lam. 1:17-22; 2 Cor. 1:8-22; Mark 11:27-33 

“By what authority are you doing these things?” That is the question posed by the chief priests, scribes, and elders to Jesus in Mark’s gospel reading today. Jesus doesn’t give them the satisfaction of a direct answer, for their motivation was to trap and convict the rabbi who threatened the hierarchy in the Temple.

Perhaps you are feeling like one of those elders, struggling with your faith today. Maybe you are doubting God’s care for you in this time of upheaval. Know this - God is big enough for all our questions. Jesus’ death and resurrection redeemed all people, even those on the fence, or feeling threatened by the revolutionary message of love and healing for everyone.

As such, what would it be like to reframe the question of the skeptics in Jerusalem? Perhaps it could look like this: “Are you doing this action because it is pleasing to God? How will this choice bear witness to God’s love moving through your life?” May God’s grace encourage us each day for the pursuit of greater understanding, rather than leveraging power.

— Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

• How do the words of Lamentations strike you today, expressing sadness beyond the point of consolation?

• How will the choices you make today bear witness to God’s love moving through your life?

Daily Challenge

Psalm 6 is a call for help from God through sickness and conflict. Find a verse of that psalm that resonates with you, and recite those words in prayer to God.