TODAY'S GOSPEL REFLECTION: "God Answers to Faithfulness"

TODAY'S GOSPEL REFLECTION: "God Answers to Faithfulness"

June 03, 2023. Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs

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.”

Reflection

In honesty, God has a definite answer. Blessed Saturday in Remembrance of San Carlos Lwanga and companions, martyrs. There is an oath that takes place in different societies or countries. Just like the oath of those who serve in law enforcement, the oath of hospital staff, and there is even an oath on some National flags. An oath is a promise of loyalty. We pledge this oath to declare our faithful service. The Ugandan martyrs whom we commemorate on this day have been faithful to their Catholic faith, so God has also been faithful to reward them with holiness because of their martyrdom. What does this have to do with our Gospel today? Perhaps we have many questions for God that need honest answers. Let's remember that our honesty is the key to getting answers from our Lord. God knows when we are being honest with Him. In the Gospel, Jesus did not answer the people's questions to Him, because they could not answer honestly whether Saint John the Baptist was truly from God or from man. And because they responded without honesty to Jesus, they also received no answer from our Lord.

May we be faithful to the Lord through our honesty. Let's talk to Him and admit our weaknesses and shortcomings. We will certainly not be judged but only changed for the good through the loving eyes of Jesus. In the Name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen+

Reflections by: T.K.R.S

Go to USCCB website for the full readings.