FIRST READING
“To him who gives me wisdom I will give glory. ”
A reading from the Book of Sirach (Sirach 51 : 12c-20b)
I will give thanks to you and praise you, and I will bless the name of the Lord. While I was still young, before I went on my travels, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer. Before the temple I asked for her, and I will search for her to the last. From blossom to ripening grape my heart delighted in her; my foot entered upon the straight path; from my youth I followed her steps. I inclined my ear a little and received her, and I found for myself much instruction. I made progress therein; to him who gives me wisdom I will give glory. For I resolved to live according to wisdom, and I was zealous for the good; and I shall never be put to shame. My soul grappled with wisdom, and in my conduct I was strict; I spread out my hands to the heavens, and lamented my ignorance of her. I directed my soul to her, and through purification I found her.
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 19: 19:5.9.10.11 (R. 9ab)
R/. The precepts of the Lord are right; they gladden the heart.
The law of the Lord is perfect; it revives the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are steadfast;
they give wisdom to the simple. R.
The precepts of the Lord are right;
they gladden the heart.
The command of the Lord is clear;
it gives light to the eyes. R.
The fear of the Lord is pure, abiding forever.
The judgements of the Lord are true;
they are, all of them, just. R.
They are more to be desired than gold,
than quantities of gold.
And sweeter are they than honey,
than honey flowing from the comb. R.
ALLELUIA Colossians 3: 16a.17c
Alleluia. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
“By what authority are you doing these things?”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 11:27-33)
At that time: Jesus and the disciples came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?” Jesus said to them, “I will ask you a question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men? Answer me.” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven, ’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘From men’?” — they were afraid of the people, for all held that John was a real prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Today’s Reflection
“What authority have you for action like this? Who gave you authority to do these things?” Divine authority originates in the Triune God, the Source and Summit of all created realities. In Jesus authority is shown the power of God to command action, obedience or compliance. This authority is intermingled with charism. Jesus’ authority reveals the nature of God as one, while charism reveals the efficacious working of the gifts of God’s Spirit in the world as manifested in creation, redemption and sanctification. Wherever He goes, Jesus does the will of His Father and is not ready to make any compromise or accept any intimidation. This is the example shown us by Jesus: that we must never for any reason give up on God. Teach us to do Your will, O God!