Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 29, 2021
First Reading: Sirach 51.12-20
This reading is not available in the ESV version. Visit the CPDV version to view the reading.
Psalm 19
1The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.2Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.3There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.4Their measuring line goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,5which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.6Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.7The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;8the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;9the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.10More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.11Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.12Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.13Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Gospel: Mark 11.27-33
27And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him,28and they said to him, "By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?"29Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.30Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me."31And they discussed it with one another, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?'32But shall we say, 'From man'?"--they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet.33So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of trust, wisdom, and the nature of authority. The first reading from Sirach expresses a deep trust in God’s deliverance and a lifelong pursuit of wisdom. The author rejoices in how God has heard their prayers and guided them from youth, emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom and staying on the right path. This passage reminds us that our relationship with God is one of gratitude and perseverance, trusting that He will see us through times of trouble.
The Gospel from Mark presents a different dynamic, as Jesus is questioned by the religious leaders about His authority. Jesus’ response challenges them to reflect on their own beliefs about John the Baptist, leaving them unable to answer. This exchange highlights the tension between outward appearances of piety and the deeper, personal commitment to faith. The leaders are trapped by their fear of what others might think, while Jesus invites them—and us—to examine the authenticity of our faith.
These readings remind us that faith is not about external appearances or intellectual assent but about a genuine, personal relationship with God. Like the author of Sirach, we are called to trust in God’s providence and seek wisdom with our whole hearts. At the same time, Jesus’ encounter with the leaders challenges us to move beyond superficial religion and to ground our lives in a deep, abiding faith. May we, like the psalmist, cultivate hearts that truly seek God, and may our actions reflect the authenticity of our commitment to Him.