Daily Gospel Reflection for May 29, 2021

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Mark 11:27-33

It feels like the religious leaders are constantly challenging Jesus and His teaching authority, especially in the Gospel of Mark. Mark is a quick-moving, action-packed Gospel where Jesus hurries from one place to the next, passionate and intense. When the leaders challenge Him yet again, He doesn’t play games. Instead, He turns things back on them. These same leaders had already rejected the teaching authority of John the Baptist. By asking them to choose the origins of John’s authority, He forces them into a difficult position. Rather than take a position, they simply shrug. In their inability to answer His question, Jesus refuses to answer theirs.

Jesus doesn’t waste words. Both His question and refusal are a lesson. Jesus is asking the leaders to own what they know, what they believe. He wants them to say, out loud for others to hear, the position they take on the matter.

The leaders aren’t brave. They do not take a courageous stance. Instead they shrug their shoulders, claiming uncertainty. Their answer reminds me of another Scripture passage, this one from Revelation. John the Evangelist is instructed by Jesus to write these words to one of the churches: “Because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth,” (Rev 3:16).

These religious leaders are lukewarm. They did not receive the knowledge they desired because they could not own their own beliefs. If we want to know the Truth, we have to be willing to own our faith, no matter the situation. We are called to be on fire for Christ! To stand up for what we believe, to be faithful and true to the Gospel.

Ponder:

In what areas of your life are you lukewarm in your faith?

Pray:

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.