Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 29, 2021
First Reading: Sirach 51.12-20
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Psalm 19
1The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.2Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.3There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.4Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,5Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.6His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.7The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.8The statutes 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 for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.10More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.11Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.12Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.13Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.14Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Gospel: Mark 11.27-33
27And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,28And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?29And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.30The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.31And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?32But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.33And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do 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.