Do you have a strong, influential Authority figure in your life? It could be a boss, a parent, grandparent, close friend, maybe a teacher. Typically, they are someone who mentors you through challenges in your life, shows you where you may be going off track on your journey, and kicks you in the butt telling you outright to let you know when you need to make some changes. They're a good person to have in your life and to keep in touch with. When it comes to authority figures in our faith, they hold a lot of the same quaities, helping us through rough situations, being a guide when we fall off track, an ear to listen when we need a friend. The difference is, it's so much better, seeing as we build relationship with God in the process, but can ask for His help, His grace to guide us through. We may not always like the authority God is giving us, but it's important to know that it is the best guidance in order for us to live a good life. Have you been trusting God's authority in your life?

Today's Gospel states:'"Not every one who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, `I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.' "Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his House upon the rock; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it." And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes' (Matthew 7:21-29).

Today's reading talks about how Jesus teaches the people as one with authority. He speaks in God's authority, which throws them off guard, as they only knew him to be a carpenters son, and not one who learned the law. We too are influenced by strong authority figures in our lives, sometimes by those we'd never expect to kick us back on the right track. It's very important to remember that God is our primary authority figure and that His way comes first, despite what those around us our saying. However, we also need to pay Close Attention, because so much of the time God is trying to use those around us to guide us on the right path. The best way to know is through continuing to grow in relationship with Him and take time for discernment, paying close attention to His authority and will. Take some time to pray and ask God to help you listen to His will.

Today we pray:

Heavenly Father,

God please help me to pay attention to where You are leading me. Help me to pay attention to Your authority in every way it hits me, and keep me on the path towards finding You.

I pray in Your most holy name, Amen.