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; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.2Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.3There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.4Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,5which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.6It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.7The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.8The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.9The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.10They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.11By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.12Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.13Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.14May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Gospel: Mark 11.27-33
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
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.