“By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” – Matthew 21:23
The first class I ever taught was Theology for seniors. One student, Jason, was absolutely brilliant. He had completed the school’s entire math curriculum by the end of his junior year. As a senior, Jason enrolled in courses at a local college, which occasionally conflicted with my class. Jason and I met before school as make-up for time missed.
Preparing for these one-on-one sessions, I asked myself questions similar to those of the chief priests and elders in today’s gospel. What authority did I as a brand-new teacher have to any student, let alone the best and brightest? Who gave me this jurisdiction? Did I deserve it? I was still learning and getting used to the title of ‘Mr.’, how equipped was I to educate someone soon heading to MIT?
Unlike the elders, Jason understood there was still much beyond his grasp. His academic achievements came not from confidence in having answers, but rather from an eagerness to learn. Jason offered me the same deference he would a tenured professor and it allowed our growth as teacher and student.
During Advent, let’s not lose grasp of the season’s wonder. The anticipation of God’s greatest gift should be anything but yearly routine. It’s certainly not something for which we have all the answers. With this mindset, perhaps we can become “one who sees what the Almighty sees.” (Numbers 24:4)
Lord, this Advent, teach us your ways. Help us embrace your majesty with curiosity and rediscover the joy of your arrival. Amen.
Robert Tyler