Authority to Nurture

Message from Fr. Jose Koluthara, CMI

Lord Jesus, give me the power to nurture others.

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Authority is the focus of today’s readings, authority conferred, authority revoked, authority abused in the service of self, and authority used rightly, in the service of kingdom. By definition, the word authority means:  the power to enforce laws, exact obedience, command, determine or judge; ‚ one that is vested with this power; ƒ power assigned to another; „ an accepted source of expert information or advice (The American Heritage Dictionary). Etymologically, our English word authority is rooted in the Latin word auctorem or auctor, which means enlarger, founder or more literally, one who causes to grow. Therefore, it could be said that those on whom authority has been conferred or bestowed are thereby vested with the power and the responsibility to help others to grow. Unfortunately and as is reflected in today’s first reading from Isaiah, some, like Shebna, do not use their authority appropriately and, for that reason, their authority may be better exercised by another. Many have fallen in line behind Shebna in abusing their authority, e.g., Henry VIII of England, Josef Stalin, Adolf Hitler, to name only a few.

In today’s gospel, Matthew tells his readers of the occasion and the circumstances whereby Peter’s authority was conferred. Instead of conducting a job interview, Jesus was enlisting the help and loyalty, the love and service of a friend. To that end and by way of preparing him for the authority that would be his, Jesus asked Peter one question: “Who do you say I am?”

Peter’s response was forthright and unequivocal; you are Messiah, you are Son of the living God! It was his true and intimate awareness of Jesus’ person, purpose and mission that prepared Peter for sharing in the authority that would be given him. The same intimate knowledge of Jesus similarly prepares all others who would also be given share in that authority. Without knowledge of Christ, without a loving relationship with Jesus, no one can claim authority over another.