In today’s Gospel, the chief priests, scribes, and elders find themselves trapped by Jesus’ question about the baptism of John. If they admit that John’s baptism was from God, they expose their own refusal to believe. If they deny it, they risk the anger of the people. So, rather than seeking truth, they choose silence. At first glance, it is easy to judge them harshly. We may even feel relieved that we are not like them. Yet the Gospel gently turns the mirror toward us.
How often do we act in the same way? There are moments when we avoid difficult truths because they threaten our comfort, reputation, or security. Like the religious leaders in the Gospel, we can become more concerned about protecting our position than listening to God’s voice. Sometimes we remain silent when courage is needed. Sometimes we ask questions not because we sincerely desire wisdom, but because we want to defend ourselves or preserve control. The tragedy of the religious leaders was not that they questioned Jesus. In fact, their questions were understandable. Jesus had been teaching boldly, healing the sick, and challenging accepted practices. Any sincere leader would naturally seek understanding. The real problem was their motivation. Their hearts were closed. They were not searching for truth with humility and openness; they were trying to protect their authority and silence a perceived threat.
The Gospel invites us today to examine our hearts. Do I seek truth with humility, or do I resist it when it unsettles me? Do I ask questions in faith and love, or out of fear and defensiveness?
Rev. Elvin Cardoso, SJ
I am a Jesuit priest from Goa, India’s tiny but beautiful state. I studied in a Jesuit school that was from where I got my vocation. I was ordained in 2016. I am currently pursuing a degree in the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at Creighton University.
I am truly grateful for this opportunity to share and express my faith while simultaneously enhancing and nurturing my prayer life.
