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     It was to be expected that Jesus' action in the temple would upset the highest Jewish authorities in Jerusalem, the Sanhedrin.  In today's gospel scripture, a deputation comes to Jesus to demand to know whatever basis he had for causing such an uproar.  It doesn't take a lot of imagination to picture the mess with money rolling all over the floor and birds flying everywhere!  Jesus' reply to them catches them off guard.  No matter what they say, they run a risk.  So they "punt" and say they don't know.  [Hmmmm....how human that is!]

     Ironically, the answer they give is a true one!  They don't really know, because they don't believe in John the Baptist or in Jesus.  In the Gospel of Mark, only the person of faith "knows" who Jesus is.  Although their answer is mostly a political one, it reflects a human response that is challenging to all of us.  Jesus does not need anyone else's permission or delegation.  He is his own authority.  If someone asks us a question about him and we fear embarrassment if we say how we truly feel about him, do we say, "I don't know!" to escape the situation?  The resentment of the Sanhedrin at Jesus' temple action would grow to lethal levels.  In our own day, it is all too common that when Jesus' teachings and actions present us with questions about our own beliefs and actions, we become practical agnostics and say, "I don't know!" to avoid making changes in our way of life.  Maybe we should take another look at our own temples and do a bit of house cleaning!  AMEN