The Question Behind Every Question

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In today’s Gospel, the chief priests, scribes, and elders approach Jesus with what seems like a reasonable question: “By what authority are you doing these things?” At first glance, it sounds like they are searching for truth. But Jesus sees something deeper. He recognizes that their question is not really about discovering the truth; it is about protecting themselves from it.

That is why Jesus responds with a question of His own. He asks about John’s baptism. Was it from heaven or from men? Notice what happens next. They don’t discuss what is true. They don’t ask what God is saying. Instead, they begin calculating. “If we say heaven…” or “If we say men…”

Their concern is not truth; their concern is “what he will say to this or that”. Sometimes we ask God questions, but we are not always looking for answers. Sometimes we are looking for confirmation. Sometimes we are looking for excuses. Sometimes we are hoping God will agree with what we have already decided.

We ask: “Lord, what do You want me to do?” But deep down, we already know. The harder question is not whether God has spoken. The harder question is whether we are willing to listen and seek the truth. Many of us have experienced this. We know there is a conversation we need to have. We know there is a person we need to forgive. We know there is a habit we need to leave behind. We know there is a step of faith God is asking us to take. Yet instead of responding, we keep asking more questions. Not because we lack clarity, but because clarity demands a response. The religious leaders in today’s Gospel stood face to face with Truth Himself. Yet they were more concerned about maintaining control than surrendering to God.

And that is the danger for us as disciples. Not ignorance. Not weakness. But the temptation to keep God at a safe distance because His truth might require change.

The question behind every question is this: “Lord, if You show me the truth, will I follow it?” Because God does not reveal His will to satisfy our curiosity. He reveals His will to transform our lives.

Today Jesus invites us to move from calculation to trust, from self-protection to surrender, from asking questions to becoming disciples. The people in the Gospel walked away saying, “We do not know.” May that never be our answer when God calls us.

May our answer be simple: “Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know the questions I carry in my heart. You also know the answers I sometimes avoid. Give me the humility to seek truth honestly and the courage to follow wherever You lead. Help me to desire Your will more than my own comfort. May I never be content simply to ask questions, but always be willing to follow Your voice. Amen.

– Homily by Rev Fr Patrick Agbeko