Daily Readings - Sat May 29 2021
Mark
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.