GOSPEL, Mark (11: 27-33)

Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark

Jesus’ Authority Is Questioned

²⁷ Again they came to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him ²⁸ and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?” ²⁹ Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. ³⁰ Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin? Answer me.” ³¹ They argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ ³² But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”—they were afraid of the crowd, for all regarded John as truly a prophet. ³³ So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

The Gospel of the Lord

 

 REFLECTION

With what authority do you do this? The high priests, scribes, and Pharisees asked about Jesus’ expulsion of the merchants from the temple. Jesus saw the malicious intention and asked a counter-question, on which his answer depended: Was John’s baptism a thing of God or of men? In order not to commit themselves to Jesus or to the crowd, they replied: We do not know. Therefore, He also withheld his answer.

Christ loved dialogue, but also sincerity. He defended his dignity with silence because the question did not mean simplicity of heart and an open disposition to believe, but a critical attitude and pretence of spirit

Only a humble faith can see God through the veil of Christ’s humanity, through his word beginning with those who are most unfortunate. This same unassuming faith sees the need for conversion and loving one another as Christ did. Believing in him and in God the Father.

With all certainty, the gifts of faith do not reach the self-reliant but those of good will who respond simply to this powerful act of God will undoubtedly receive them even though at times they are undeserving. We must always put our trust in God.

On one occasion, filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, Jesus exclaimed “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. (Luke 10:21)

As we listen to the word of salvation from the Lord, let us try to set our hearts to receive it, taking care not to let our minds get overly lost in arguments or sterile analyses.

 

PRAYER

Lord, you said, the truth will make you free. You teach your ways to the humble and artless, because you want to reign in noble and generous hearts. Come to our aid in every decision, big or small, so that we are docile and true to your word. Amen.