From: Mark 11:27-33

Jesus’ Authority

[27] And they (Jesus and his disciples) came to Jerusalem. And as he was wal-
king in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him,
[28] and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who
gave you this authority to do them?” [29] Jesus said to them, “I will ask you a
question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. [30]
Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men? Answer me.” [31] And they
argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did
not you not believe him?’ [32] But shall we say, ‘From men’?”—they were afraid
of the people, for all held that John was a real prophet. [33] 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.”

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Commentary:

27-33. Those who put this question to Jesus are the same people as, some days
earlier, sought to destroy him (cf. Mk 11:18). They represent the official Judaism
of the period (cf. note on Mt 2:4). Jesus had already given proofs and signs of be-
ing the Messiah, in his miracles and preaching; and St. John the Baptist had
borne witness about who Jesus was. This is why, before replying, our Lord asks
them to recognize the truth proclaimed by the Precursor. But they do not want
to accept this truth; nor do they want to reject it publicly, out of fear of the people.
Since they are not ready to admit their mistake, any further explanation Jesus
might offer would serve no purpose.

This episode has many parallels in everyday life: anyone who seeks to call God
to account will be confounded.

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Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.

Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.

Readings at Mass

First reading

Ecclesiasticus 51:17-27 ©

I will thank you and praise you,

and bless the name of the Lord.

When I was still a youth, before I went travelling,

in my prayers I asked outright for wisdom.

Outside the sanctuary I would pray for her,

and to the last I will continue to seek her.

From her blossoming to the ripening of her grape

my heart has taken its delight in her.

My foot has pursued a straight path,

I have been following her steps ever since my youth.

By bowing my ear a little I have received her,

and have found much instruction.

Thanks to her I have advanced;

the glory be to him who has given me wisdom!

For I am determined to put her into practice,

I have earnestly pursued what is good, I will not be put to shame.

My soul has fought to possess her,

I have been scrupulous in keeping the Law;

I have stretched out my hands to heaven

and bewailed my ignorance of her;

I have directed my soul towards her,

and in purity have found her.

Psalm

Psalm 18:8-11 ©