Dear beloved,
How Our Lord Jesus Christ Restored Order And Sanity To Authority.
- He did this in 2 ways:
a. By teaching its Divine Origin. He taught that all authority come from God- not only religious and paternal authority but also civil authority. Therefore, authority is something Sacred and deserves the utmost respect.
Pilate shouted at Jesus: ' Why are you not speaking to me? Don't You know I have the power to crucify You and the power to release You? ' Jesus replied him solemnly : ' You should not have any power over Me unless it were given you from above. ' Jn. 19:10-11.
So even the authority of the pagan Pilate comes from God.
b. He Pointed Out The End And Limit of Authority
If authority comes from God , it is always sacred and worthy of respect, even when it resides in unworthy persons. The citizens are therefore bound to obey even the wicked rulers when their commands are not sinful. This was the teaching of Christ who said : ' The Scribes and the Pharisees Sit on the chair of Moses - Do therefore whatsoever they ask you to do; but do not imitate their actions; for they say and do not. ' Matt 23:2-3.
When the Jews asked Him if it is lawful to pay tribute to Caesar (Whom they saw as an unjust oppressor), Jesus replied : ' Render to Ceasar the things that are Caesars..... ' Matt 22:21.
GOSPEL
1. Jesus Christ teaches that authority is not a lordship but a fatherhood, a ministry, a service. The subjects do not exist for the benefit of the Authority. The common good is the end of every civil authority. The good of the people is also its limitation.
Christ said:
' You know that the princess of the Gentiles lord is over them, and they that are the greater exercise power upon them. It shall not be so among you; but whosoever will be greater among you, let him be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you let him be your slave. Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. Matt 2: 25-28.
2. To demonstrate a perfect example of this teaching. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples at the Last Supper . 'Knowing that the Father had given Him all things into His hands, ant that He came from God, and was returning to God, He rose from supper and took off His outter garments....... and began to wash His disciples feet and dry them with the towel around His waist. ' Jn. 13: 3-5.
After this action, he explained its significance to them, saying ' For I have given you an example, that as I have done to you, you should also do .' Jn. 13:15.
Behold the All-powerful doing the most menial job-for us.
3. Cardinal Borromeo said'
You show that you are Superior to others by serving them. '
That is the true idea of every authority -whether civil, religious or parental. The Superior most consider himself a servant of his subjects -For this reason , the Popes call themselves ' The Servant of the Servants of God' (1St used by St. Gregory I).
JESUS EXALTS THE DIGNITY OF THE SUBJECTS
- All authority comes from God. So by obeying a leader, we no longer, in reality obey a man like ourselves but God who place him there. And to obey God is not to demean but to exalt oneself. So by this, Christianity lays a solid foundation for obedience which always has God as its final end.
- Furthermore, the Christian rulers must look upon his subjects not as servants, but as brothers and sisters - because God is our common Father and we are all brothers and sisters.
- Every soul has infinite value because it is redeemed by the Precious Blood of Christ. (1 Pt. 1:18-19) picture the GOOD SHEPHERD searching for one stray sheep.
THE TEACHINGS OF THE CHURCH
- RM. 13:1-4: ' There is no power but from God.... therefore he who resists the authority, resists the command of God; and they who resist, purchase to themselves damnation.... for he is God's minister to you, for good. '
- 1 Pt. 2:13-15: ' Be subject to every human creature for God's sake whether it be the King..... or to the governors as sent by him for the punishment of evil doers and for the praise of the good ,for so it the will of God. '
- Tertullian the Apologist also wrote:
We venerate in the Emperors the judgement of God himself, who placed them at the head of the nations. In them w see the will of God, and therefore we too, want to safeguard what God has willed. '
PRACTICAL CONCLUSIONS
. If you occupy any position of authority -Family, Church, State- bear in mind your dignity and responsibility as a representative of God whose authority you exercise. One day you must render an account to Him.
. All authority should promote the glory of God and the salvation of souls. At least it must never be a hindrance to them.
. Let us all supernaturalize out obedience by seeing the power of God in our leaders. In this way, our obedience will become easier and more meritorious
. Every form of Government must be just and tend to the Common Good. Set interest has no pace in government.
. All those who use leadership positions tonamass wealth, exploit people, look for honours and dignity, for pleasure and wallow in luxury while their subjects suffer and go hungry, should repent; for example :
a. Parents whobdrink and womanize with theirbincome while the wife and children suffer.
b. Presidents/Governors /Ministers who enjoy the best of life when salaries of their subjects are not paid, no portable water , epileptic power supply, bad roads, insecurity etc.
c. Church leaders who exploit the church, build houses, drive exotic cars and do business in the House of God.
All these should learn to serve like Christ.
May the spirit of service be given to us all, through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Happy Sunday friends ⛪⛪
Love you all 💋