Daily Gospel Reflection for May 27, 2016

Today's Gospel: Mark 11, 11-26

As I read this, I am struck that Jesus visited the Temple area the night before. He checked out the situation, but did not immediately act. He left and returned the next day. I often respond immediately to something I believe is wrong or unjust. I give myself no margin before I “just do it”. How often do I act first and then wait, instead of the other way around?

We know Jesus curses the fig tree. “May no one eat of your fruit again!” As a homeschool mother, I notice the exclamation mark. It denotes “strong feelings.” But when he returns to the temple area and knocks over tables and seats, we are told he quotes Scripture by heart. “Is it not written: ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples? But you have made it a den of thieves.’ There’s no exclamation mark. He is teaching. He is speaking the truth and there is nothing that tells us he’s yelling it. And they are astonished at his teaching. How well do I know Scripture and let its truth speak for itself in my life and the life of my family?

The Twelve again come upon the cursed fig tree; Peter now sees that it is withered to its roots, and points it out. Jesus reminds them to have faith in God. But he also tells them to believe that all they ask in prayer will be theirs, holding relationships with others first in mind. When we pray, we are first to forgive anyone we have a grievance with so that our Father can forgive us. I seldom forgive first and then take my petitions to the heavenly Father. How often do I really believe God will give me what I ask?

Ponder:

As a mother, how do I spend more time with Jesus in Scripture in order to see and hear how he wants me to respond in my daily life?

Pray:

May I be like you, Lord, and wait to act; to know and teach your truth by heart. Give me all the graces to forgive others, ask in prayer, and believe. Amen.

Copyright 2016 Bethanne Scholl

Bethanne Scholl has been married for almost 20 years, has seven children (age 18 to 3) and joined the Catholic Church in 2003. She has two in college and the rest are educated at home. She is also the DRE for her parish. She was a reporter earlier in life and has welcomed the opportunity to write again.