Homily for the Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr

Jesus was questioned about His bold actions in clearing the merchants out of the Temple without permission from the Temple authorities. They asked him, " By what authority are you doing these things?"

This incident occurred towards the end of Jesus' ministry. At the beginning of His ministry, the public was impressed by the moral authority with which Jesus spoke and acted. They even called His teaching "a new teaching, with authority."

Christians believe that Jesus spoke and acted with God's authority, which is seen as a true and liberating authority that frees us from sin and empowers us to live purposeful lives. The real question is where to find that empowerment. Faith assures us that Jesus has the authentic authority of God, allowing us to be fully human and fully alive.