Daily Readings - Sat Jun 03 2023
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
The first reading from Sirach and the Gospel of Mark both invite us to reflect on the nature of authority, trust, and our relationship with God. In Sirach, the author expresses deep gratitude for God’s deliverance and wisdom, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and prayer. The passage highlights the journey of seeking wisdom from youth, a pursuit that brings joy and guidance. In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus is confronted by the religious leaders who question his authority. Jesus responds with a question about the origin of John the Baptist’s baptism, forcing them to examine their own beliefs and allegiances.
The readings are connected by the theme of trust and surrender to God’s plan. Sirach’s focus on perseverance and prayer reminds us that our faith is not just about fleeting moments but about a lifelong commitment to seeking God’s wisdom. Mark’s Gospel challenges us to reflect on the source of our own authority and the authenticity of our faith. Just as the leaders in the Gospel struggle with acknowledging the truth, we too may find ourselves hesitant to fully trust in God’s plan or to admit our limitations.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to embrace humility and honesty. Like the leaders in the Gospel, we may sometimes feel pressured to have all the answers, but true wisdom lies in acknowledging our dependence on God. Let us approach life’s challenges with the perseverance and gratitude expressed in Sirach, trusting that God will guide us. May we also have the courage to examine our own hearts, as Jesus invites us to do, and to seek wisdom and truth in every moment.