LIVE IT TODAY: Monday, December 15, 2025
You were made to live in the light of truth, not in fear of losing control.
A single, flickering note in the soul of a homeless man on Christmas Eve gathers a community out of darkness and into light. We are delighted to share with you, The Inn Crowd — a very moving Christmas short story. Please consider partnering with us in helping the world encounter Jesus Christ through this Live IT Today daily reflection, and our upcoming Live IT podcast and speaker series.
Thank you.
LIVE IT TODAY: Monday, December 15, 2025
A GREAT WAY TO BEGIN TODAY!
SUBSCRIBE FREE: LiveITToday.us
GOD’S DECLARATION TO YOU TODAY
You were made to live in the light of truth, not in fear of losing control.
INVOCATION
Come, Holy Spirit! Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother Mary, open my heart to hear and receive all that You desire for me. Draw me ever more deeply into the Love and Life of the Blessed Trinity!
GOSPEL | Matthew 21:23–27
When Jesus had come into the temple area,
the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him
as he was teaching and said,
“By what authority are you doing these things?
And who gave you this authority?”
Jesus said to them in reply,
“I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me,
then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things.
Where was John’s baptism from?
Was it of heavenly or of human origin?”
They discussed this among themselves and said,
“If we say ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say to us,
‘Then why did you not believe him?’
But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we fear the crowd,
for they all regard John as a prophet.”
So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.”
He himself said to them,
“Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
EVERY DAY QUESTION
What struck you? Challenged you? Inspired you? What questions did it raise?
GOING DEEPER
Authority is revealed by obedience, not by position.
This Gospel takes place in the temple—the very center of religious authority. Jesus is teaching openly, confidently, without permission slips or credentials. The leaders are unsettled not because He lacks authority, but because His authority exposes theirs as hollow.
Their question is not sincere curiosity; it is a trap. In the first-century world, authority flowed through recognized lineage, rabbinical endorsement, or institutional approval. Jesus stands outside all three. Yet He speaks and acts with a clarity that cannot be ignored. Authority, in this scene, is no longer something granted from above by men—it is something revealed by alignment with God.
Jesus’ counter-question about John the Baptist is surgical. John’s baptism demanded repentance, humility, and conversion of life. The leaders cannot answer honestly because truth would require surrender. So they choose the safest answer imaginable: “We do not know.” It sounds neutral, but it is actually evasive. Silence becomes a shield against obedience.
Here is the quiet warning embedded in this exchange: refusal to choose is itself a choice. In Greek, the leaders’ response reflects not ignorance but calculated uncertainty. They know enough to fear the consequences of truth. And so they remain stuck—guarding power rather than receiving grace.
This tension lives on in our homes. Parents, spouses, leaders can slip into the same pattern—more concerned with managing appearances than submitting to God’s call. We ask Jesus for explanations while quietly resisting conversion. We want clarity without cost, authority without obedience.
The domestic church is where this Gospel becomes concrete. True spiritual authority in a home does not come from volume, control, or titles, but from humble fidelity to Christ. Not by demanding obedience, but by modeling it. Not by winning arguments, but by choosing truth when it is costly.
Parents, Advent is a summons to lead with surrendered hearts. Do not hide behind “I don’t know” when God is asking for trust. Build a home where truth is named, repentance is normal, and Jesus is obeyed even when it disrupts comfort. Pray over your children by name in the power of the Holy Spirit, that they may recognize true authority and live free from the fear of man.
“Authority is exercised legitimately only when it seeks the common good of the group concerned and if it employs morally licit means to attain it.” (CCC 1903)
LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS
In My Heart: Where am I avoiding truth because it would require change?
In My Home: How is spiritual authority exercised—or resisted—in our family life?
In My World: When have I chosen safety over truth, and what would courage look like now?
FAMILY LIVE IT
Make some time today to gather together and, going around, share one situation where it is hard to do what is right because of fear, pressure, or uncertainty.
Then, one by one, pray over each person by name, asking the Holy Spirit to give them clarity of heart, freedom from the whispers and lies of the Enemy, strength to resist temptation, and courage to live joyfully in obedience to Jesus Christ.
Daily Challenge: Choose one concrete act of obedience today—small but real—where you will follow Christ even if it costs comfort or approval.
DAILY PARENT & GRANDPARENT BLESSING
LORD JESUS CHRIST, let Your holy anointing be upon each of our children, grandchildren, and godchildren this day and week, including all to whom they are called in vocation, and all future generations! In Your Sacred Name we claim them for You! We renounce all whispers, lies, and influences of the Enemy! We pray right now that each know Your loving Presence, be forged in virtue, and be flooded with an abundance of Your Holy Spirit to live fully their identity and mission in You now and through all eternity, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother! Amen.
PARENT BLESSING PROJECT: bit.ly/ParentBlessing
GOING VERTICAL
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Just as the vertical beam upholds the horizontal beam of the Cross, so too does undistracted, dedicated daily turning to God as our lifeblood uphold and strengthen every part of life. Start with just three minutes. Wait patiently for the breakthrough beyond the noise. Let Him speak.
ENTER THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME: LifeTimeRide.com
Listen to the moving song, Ride Of A Lifetime:
Spotify | Apple | Other
TODAY’S SPONSORSHIP
Dr. Eric and Annie Dudenhoeffer, Parschauer Eye Center | 2600 Hayes Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870 | (419) 625-6181
Would you, your business or organization like to help us spread these daily reflections? Contact us at Alive@MassImpact.us to learn more.
WE WANT TO PRAY FOR YOU!
Please share your prayer intentions in the comments at LiveITToday.us