Breaking the Word

GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 21:23-27

Authority is in question here. Specifically the source of authority is in question. People accepted the baptism of John the Baptist and many went after him and were baptized. Some Pharisees and the other leaders were also among the group of people who went to John for Baptism.

Jesus is also aware of the following of the people. When the leaders raised their questions on the source of authority of Jesus then Jesus wanted to know whether they were aware of the source of authority of John the Baptist. Indirectly Jesus affirms that the authority of John the Baptist was from God and so also his own.

அதிகாரம் ஆண்டவனிடமிருந்து என்பதுதான் இயேசுவின் மனநிலை. திருமுழுக்கு யோவானின் அதிகாரமும் இயேசுவின் அதிகாரமும் கடவுளிடமிருந்துதான் என்பது உறுதி.

GOSPEL READING: LUKE 3:10-18

People believed in John the Baptist. He was preaching repentance. He was also baptizing them with water. People thought the he was the expected messiah. So each one as an individual or as a representative of a group went to meet him and asked him “What then should we do?”. People wanted to be in right (correct) relationship with God.

John the Baptist answered each one according to his life style or according to his job that one was doing. His reply centered on sharing with the poor; being just in dealing with the others; and not demanding more than one deserves as wages. He was telling them about integrity, justice and sharing. He clearly said that he was not the messiah.

மக்களிடையே மனந்திரும்பி வாழ ஆர்வம் இருக்கிறது. திருமுழுக்கு யோவானைப்போல் இறைஅனுபவம் பெற்ற> இறைவனால் அனுப்பப்பட்ட இறைவாக்கினர்கள் தேவை. மக்களுக்கு சவாலாய் இருக்கிற போதனைகள்தான் ‘நாங்கள் என்ன செய்ய வேண்டும்?” என்ற கேள்வியை மக்களிடையே எழுப்பும். அவருடைய பதிலும் பகிர்வுக்கும்> நேர்மையான வாழ்வுக்கும்> பேராசையற்ற வாழ்வுக்கும் இட்டுச் செல்லும்.