8th Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, May 30, 2026

Reflection on the WORD

“Doubts and Fears – Faith”: The hypocritical Temple authorities, asked Jesus to justify His authority; for chasing the money changers out of the Temple. Ponder on, “When we do not live God’s Truth with integrity and fidelity; our guilt, will prevent us from having the sincere confidence, and the deep “Peace” of God; to challenge the way others live their faith.”

Mark 11:27-33

Jesus and his disciples came to Jerusalem, and as Jesus was walking in the Temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, and they said to him, ‘What authority have you for acting like this? Or who gave you authority to act like this?’ 

Jesus said to them, ‘And I will ask you a question, just one; answer me and I will tell you my authority for acting like this. John's baptism, what was its origin, heavenly or human? Answer me that.’ 

And they argued this way among themselves, ‘If we say heavenly, he will say, “Then why did you refuse to believe him?” But dare we say human?’ - they had the people to fear, for everyone held that John had been a real prophet. So their reply to Jesus was, ‘We do not know.’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Nor will I tell you my authority for acting like this.’

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • The Pharisees tried to be non-committal when they were “cornered” by Jesus’ question.  They did not want to ‘lose face’ in front of Jesus and the public.
  • Do we sometimes play the same game with the Holy Spirit by trying to ignore the interior promptings to do good or to try to “escape” from the challenges that the Spirit poses to us? 
  • How far are we prepared to go in following Christ?  Do we have the negative attitude of the Pharisees or the courage of the disciples who dare to live up to their faith regardless of the price?  What is the Spirit saying to you now?