The word "authority" comes from the Latin "auctoritas," which means "to increase." A person with "authority" is not just someone who wields coercive power over others. On the contrary, it is to release the potential that is in people, to be an empowering agent. Jesus' authority, which is to empower others, comes from God. However, the chief priests and the elders are motivated by a desire to protect their own position and authority by fear.

We will shortly be celebrating the feast of Christmas. At the centre of this feast is a new born child. The Gospel reminds us that this vulnerable child comes to us on the authority of God. The authority of God stands behind this child. In receiving this child, we receive God Who sent Him. The life this child will live is stamped with the authority of God. Jesus acted with God's authority in the service of life that He exercised His authority, not to oppress us, but to bring us into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We are happy to submit to His will for our lives because He gives expression to the life-giving authority of God. True faith requires humility to acknowledge God's work, even when it challenges personal or institutional prerogatives. This Advent we are asked to humbly open our hearts to this good work of the Lord in our own lives and in the life of our Church.