The Word Among Us: A Catholic Devotional based on the Daily Mass Reading & Meditation for Saturday, 30 May 2015

The Word Among Us: A Catholic Devotional based on the Daily Mass Reading & Meditation for Saturday, 30 May 2015

Meditation: Mark 11:27 They went back into Yerushalayim; and as he was walking in the Temple courts, there came to him the head cohanim, the Torah-teachers and the elders; 28 and they said to him, “What s’mikhah do you have that authorizes you to do these things? Who gave you this s’mikhah authorizing you to do them?” 29 Yeshua said to them, “I will ask you just one question: answer me, and I will tell you by what s’mikhah I do these things. 30 The immersion of Yochanan — was it from Heaven or from a human source? Answer me.” 31 They discussed it among themselves: “If we say, ‘From Heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ 32 But if we say, ‘From a human source, . . . ’” — they were afraid of the people, for they all regarded Yochanan as a genuine prophet. 33 So they answered Yeshua, “We don’t know.” “Then,” he replied, “I won’t tell you by what s’mikhah I do these things.”
Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary
By what authority are you doing these things? (Mark 11:28)
How do you react when someone lets you know that you did something wrong? For most of us, our reactions vary depending on the circumstance, the people involved, and even our mood at the time. Sometimes it’s anger, sometimes denial; sometimes we completely miss what the other person is trying to say to us. But thebest response is also the most difficult: acceptance. To acknowledge that we were wrong, to acknowledge that we need to change, to apologize—this isn’t always easy.
We see one version of this played out in today’s Gospel reading. Just before this passage, Jesus had overturned the tables of the money changers in the Temple. Now some leaders come to Jesus and challenge his authority. “Who do you think you are?” they essentially ask. When Jesus questions their actions and motivations, they respond with defensiveness and hostility, and not much self-examination.
People around us bring up our errors for a variety of reasons. Some want the best for us, and they come to us in love. Others may be motivated by jealousy, insecurity, or anger. For many, there is a mixture of motives. But when Jesus “opposes” us, he has only one motivation: love. He has our best interests at heart. He engages us, he asks questions, he tries to deepen his relationship with us and purify our relationships with each other. He gives us a chance to grow.
The religious leaders in today’s Gospel missed an opportunity. They were caught up in a conflict, and they didn’t let Jesus’ words touch them personally. Because they rejected him, Jesus didn’t press the issue—just as he doesn’t with us. He doesn’t just unilaterally change us; he always looks for our cooperation.
So what can we do to make sure we don’t miss opportunities to grow? First, be attentive. Listen for his voice throughout your day—in prayer, in the voice of a friend, in your conscience, or even out of the blue. Second, be receptive to what you hear, even when it’s hard. Choose to grow, and ask for his help.
Pay attention today to how you pay attention. See if you can hear the Lord as he deepens his work in you.
“Lord, help me recognize your gentle, encouraging words of correction today.” Amen!
Sirach 51:12     because you saved me from destruction

    and you rescued me from an evil time.

    For this, I will give thanks, praise you,

        and bless the Lord’s name.[a]

Search for Wisdom

13 When I was still young,

before I had traveled,

    I sought Wisdom openly in my prayer.

14 In front of the temple, I asked for her,

    and I will search for her until I die.

15 From the first blossom

to the ripening of the grape clusters,

    my heart delighted in her;

    I walked in straight paths;

        I chased her down from my youth.

16 I paid a little attention, and I received her

    and found much instruction for myself.

17 I made progress with her;

    I will give glory to the one

    who gives me Wisdom.

18 I made up my mind

to put Wisdom into practice;

    I sought the good,

    and I will never be ashamed.

19 My whole being grappled with her,

    and I was brought to perfection

    in my performance of the Law.

    I spread out my hands

    toward heaven,

    and I kept in mind[b]

    my ignorance of her.

20 I directed my whole being toward her,

    and in purity I found her.

    I had a heart for her[c]

    from the beginning.

    For this reason

    I will never be abandoned.[Footnotes:

Sirach 51:12 Between 51:12 and 13, Heb adds a long doxology.

Sirach 51:19 Some Gk manuscripts I mourned because of

Sirach 51:20 or I acquired a heart with her]

Psalm 19:8 (7) The Torah of Adonai is perfect,

restoring the inner person.

The instruction of Adonai is sure,

making wise the thoughtless.

9 (8) The precepts of Adonai are right,

rejoicing the heart.

The mitzvah of Adonai is pure,

enlightening the eyes.

10 (9) The fear of Adonai is clean,

enduring forever.

The rulings of Adonai are true,

they are righteous altogether,

11 (10) more desirable than gold,

than much fine gold,

also sweeter than honey

or drippings from the honeycomb.

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