Proverbs 26:5 state, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself” – or its more modern equivalent, “When you argue with a fool, you become a fool yourself.”

During His earthly ministry Jesus was often asked questions that proved to be excellent opportunities for educating and explaining God, the Law, and Holy Scripture. Unfortunately, the questions posed by the chief priests and elders from today’s gospel were not designed for the purposes of learning, but were deviously intended to discredit Christ; to embarrass Him and challenge His authority. Knowing this, Jesus never actually answers their question outright because, as Proverbs 26:5 state, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself” – or its more modern equivalent, “When you argue with a fool, you become a fool yourself.”

Fr. John