Daily Catholic Mass Readings for June 3, 2023
First Reading: Sirach 51.12-20
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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
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.