Daily Gospel Reflection for June 3, 2023

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

Reflection by Margaret Ann Stimatz

Today's Gospel: Mark 11:27-33

The priests, elders, and scribes ask Jesus a question. And right away things get interesting, because Jesus reads their hearts and knows they are up to no good. Ignoring their question entirely, He changes the subject by tossing a question of His own their way.

But these guys will not give Jesus a straight, truthful answer. Why not? They are interested not in truth, but in their secret agenda: to get rid of Jesus. So far, they haven’t figured out how to pull that off. It seems complicated—how can they wipe out someone as popular with the crowd as Jesus is? In this scenario, they hem and haw back and forth, dithering to come up with whatever answer will most likely advance their dark agenda.

Jesus knows their thoughts. And He isn’t into game-playing. This conversational exchange is going nowhere, so for now, he puts a quick end to it. Still, He is hoping that someday, somehow, He will be able to lift their blindness, soften their hardness, and convert their hearts. Jesus never gave up on these Jewish leaders, and He never gives up on you and me.

At certain times, I have pushed Jesus and His Church so far out of my thoughts and daily pursuits that—in effect—I have gotten rid of Him. And I consider with great sadness how even now I continue to reject Him each time I sin. Yet I am filled with gratitude that He never ever gives up on me, but keeps on converting me and calling me back.

Ponder:

Is there an area of my life where I am into game-playing or being less than truthful with the Lord?

Pray:

Jesus, please illuminate my mind to recognize any secret agendas I am trying to hide from You. Help me get to Confession if that is a need. Thank You for never giving up on me.

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Jesus never gave up on these Jewish leaders, and He never gives up on you and me. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Margaret Ann Stimatz

Margaret Ann has contributed to Catholic Mom since 2018. Currently, she is working to publish her first book, Hone from the Rock: A Forty-Day Retreat for Troubled Eaters.