Authority

Jesus gives us the authority to speak. His words carry more weight than the weight of the "majority" in the world. Authority also comes to us through our experiences and studies. These too give us authority especially in the eyes of those who suffer similarly. 

“Ant. 3 from The Office of Readings: Liturgy of the Hours: Listen to me, all you who revere God, let me tell you what great things he has done for me, alleluia."

What He has done for me gives me the authority to speak on what He can do for others. The truth of my revealed identity as a son of God, not a gay man, gives me the authority to speak on all of our identities because what is true for me regarding identity is true for all. None of us are an island unto ourselves. 

Thessalonians 1:1-2:12  “... You, in turn, became imitators of us and of the Lord, receiving the word despite great trials, with the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit. Thus, you became a model for all the believers of Macedonia and Achaia...”

“... The people of those parts are reporting what kind of reception we had from you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve him who is the living and true God..”

We imitate what we see so Jesus gives us a portion of His authority, through our conversion, to imitate Him. He helps us turn from our self-made selves, and we become models for others through words and actions.

St Ignatius of Antioch “... And so I am giving you serious instruction on these things, dearly beloved...”

Our witness is serious instruction. We are to take seriously the example given by our Lord and transmit that example and witness to others. 

Written 1/30/21

Human written, AI spell-checked

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