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In this passage from Matthew’s Gospel, the authority of Jesus is challenged by His detractors. They don't like what He is saying, so they put a question to Jesus that is designed to embarrass Him.
I love that Jesus accepts confrontation and is not afraid of defending Himself in His own way. You might expect Jesus to say here, “My authority comes from Me because I am God.” But instead of a direct answer, which might lead to Him being charged with blasphemy, Jesus turns the tables on his would-be accusers and reframes the conversation. He attempts to engage them in a dialogue.
This is a message we can all benefit from when we find ourselves in a situation of conflict or disagreement. We are all too aware that, sadly, demonizing rhetoric seems to be the favored method of discourse in the media and in our society today. In the book Catholic Social Teaching: Our Best Kept Secret, the authors write, “Only through patient, respectful dialogue do people grow beyond the limitations of their experience, perceptions, opinions and values. Each person is a unique part of the tapestry of creation, of the mosaic of the human family. Only through dialogue can new levels of understanding and appreciation be achieved in the human community.”
Instead of the angry divisiveness of the “I’m right and you’re wrong” style of communication, the example of Jesus is always the way to go. Next time we find ourselves in a debate that is about to escalate into an argument, wouldn’t it be nice to reframe the conversation and strive for that patient, respectful dialogue instead? If we are successful, it is possible we will be able to grow beyond the limitations of our experience.
- Ken Likely is a member of the Center for FaithJustice’s Board of Trustees
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