05 Mar 2011, Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1
Sir 51:12 cd-20

I thank the LORD and I praise him;
I bless the name of the LORD.
When I was young and innocent,
I sought wisdom openly in my prayer
I prayed for her before the temple,
and I will seek her until the end,
and she flourished as a grape soon ripe.
My heart delighted in her,
My feet kept to the level path
because from earliest youth I was familiar with her.
In the short time I paid heed,
I met with great instruction.
Since in this way I have profited,
I will give my teacher grateful praise.
I became resolutely devoted to her—
the good I persistently strove for.
My soul was tormented in seeking her,
My hand opened her gate
and I came to know her secrets.
I directed my soul to her,
and in cleanness I attained to her.

Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11
Responsorial Psalm R. (9ab)

The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart.
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

Gospel
Mk 11:27-33

Jesus and his disciples returned once more to Jerusalem.
As he was walking in the temple area,
the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders
approached him and 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 shall ask you one question.
Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me.”
They discussed this among themselves and said,
“If we say, ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say,
‘Then why did you not believe him?’
But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”–
they feared the crowd,
for they all thought John really was a prophet.
So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.”
Then Jesus said to them,
“Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Meditation: Mark 11:27-33

“We do not know.” (Mark 11:33)

Here’s a saying you’ll often hear in self-help groups: “It’s none of my business what other people think of me.” It’s certainly the case that some people are so affected by others’ opinions that they are afraid to change. They are stuck in the “paralysis of analysis,” examining their every move, trying to figure out what people might say about it. It would be so much better if they would just listen to their own hearts instead.

The high priests, scribes, and elders whom Jesus questions here seem to suffer from this kind of fear. They’re afraid to answer him only because of how the people around them will react. If they answer one way, Jesus will criticize them. If they answer another way, the people will criticize them. We know what they really think—because they eventually bring Jesus to trial on trumped-up charges. However, instead of con-fronting Jesus directly, they won’t even take a position! They’re con-tent to wait for another opportunity to trip him up. Who knows? Maybe if they had just said what they were thinking, things would have turned out differently.

Unlike these religious leaders, we’ve accepted Jesus’ divinity. But we may still be tempted to act as they did and submit to the court of public opinion. When someone challenges you on your faith, how do you react? Do you state your position calmly and confidently? Or do you agonize over how that person will react, and end up saying nothing? Even with the best of intentions, we can sometimes let fear get the better of us—especially when we’re faced with someone who passionately dis-agrees with us.

It’s likely that sooner or later, you’ll run into someone who will question your belief in Christ and your witness to his name. When that happens, don’t cave in! Don’t worry too much about what to say or how to say it. Instead, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you (Luke 12:11-12). Your logic may not convince them, but the light of Christ’s love shining through you just might. Speak the truth with charity and simplicity, and you may just turn an enemy into a friend!

“Lord, teach me how to use the authority you’ve given me to proclaim your truth in love and humility. May I never be afraid to share about your teaching and about how you’ve changed my life.”

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