MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 15 DECEMBER
December 15, 2025
FEAST OF SAINT ADELAIDE OF BURGUNDY – 16th DECEMBER
December 16, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
15 DECEMBER, 2025
Matthew 21:23-27
When Jesus had come into the temple area,
the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him
as he was teaching and said,
“By what authority are you doing these things?
And who gave you this authority?”
Jesus said to them in reply,
“I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me,
then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things.
Where was John’s baptism from?
Was it of heavenly or of human origin?”
They discussed this among themselves and said,
“If we say ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say to us,
‘Then why did you not believe him?’
But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we fear the crowd,
for they all regard John as a prophet.”
So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.”
He himself said to them,
“Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this passage, Jesus is questioned about His authority by religious leaders who are more concerned with preserving their power than seeking truth. Their refusal to answer honestly exposes hearts that are closed to God’s work, even when it stands clearly before them. Jesus reveals that true authority comes from God and is recognized not through clever arguments but through humility and obedience. This encounter invites us to examine whether we approach God with sincerity, ready to be taught, or with guarded hearts that resist His call to change.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You speak with the authority of truth and love. Remove from my heart all fear, pride, and pretence that keep me from recognizing Your voice. Grant me humility to seek Your will honestly and courage to follow it faithfully. Teach me to trust Your authority in my life and to respond with obedience born of love. Amen
