Sometimes we pray and talk to God, even questioning Him, but He doesn't seem to answer. We wonder if He's even listening. One reason for this is mentioned in today's Gospel reading. The chief priests and elders asked Jesus two questions (Mt 21:23). Jesus replied that He would not answer their questions until they answered His (Mt 21:24). "Their answer to Jesus was, 'We do not know.' He said in turn, 'Then neither will I tell you on what authority I do the things I do' " (Mt 21:27).
Jesus loves to ask questions such as: "Who do you say that I am?" (Mt 16:15) "Do you love Me?" (Jn 21:17) "Where are you?" (Gn 3:9) "Do you want to leave Me too?" (Jn 6:67) "Do you really believe?" (Jn 16:31) "What are you looking for?" (Jn 1:38) "Are you confident I can do this?" (Mt 9:28) Will you repent and forgive? Do you love Me with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength? (see Mt 22:37) The Lord has many other questions for us.
Jesus is asking you a question. Don't say: "I don't know" (see Mt 21:27). Answer Him in love.
| PRAYER: | Father, may Jesus get His questions answered this Advent. |
| PROMISE: | "A Star shall advance from Jacob, and a Staff shall rise from Israel." –Nm 24:17 |
| PRAISE: | Charles had lost his marriage and nearly his life by having it his way. He turned to the Lord and started living by God's way. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College