servitio auctoritatis est
Authority is service to one another for the good of the other. A good authority has the best interests and well being of those they have authority over as their primary concern. Whether elected, appointed or anointed, authority is a call to service. Authority can be defined as, “the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.” In Matthew’s Gospel, Christ is asked by local authority figures, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” (Matthew 21:23). An interesting internal dialogue among the chief priests and elders ensues weighing their options of response to Jesus’ rebuttal. Ultimately they admit that they do not know. This questioning of authority, particularly of Jesus, during his ministry was not uncommon. Questioning authority existed before Christ and exists up through the present day. Accountability of authorities to the governed or ruled or most importantl...