Daily Readings - Sat May 29 2021
Mark
27They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him.28"By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you authority to do this?"29Jesus replied, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.30John's baptism--was it from heaven, or from men? Tell me!"31They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?'32But if we say, 'From men'...." (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)33So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing 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.