The readings meet you in the ordinary place where faith is practiced. Stay with what Jesus says or does here, and let it ask for one honest response.
Today’s readings
First Reading
Sirach 51:12 cd-20
You saved me from destruction and delivered me from the evil time. Therefore I will give thanks and praise to you, and bless the name of the Lord. When I was yet young, before I went abroad, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer. Before the temple I asked for her. I will seek her out even to the end. From the first flower to the ripening grape my heart delighted in her. My foot walked in uprightness. From my youth I followed her steps. I inclined my ear a little, and received her, and found for myself much instruction. I profited in her. I will give glory to him who gives me wisdom. For I determined to practice her. I was zealous for that which is good. I will never be put to shame. My soul has wrestled with her. In my conduct I was exact. I spread out my hands to the sky above, and bewailed my ignorances of her. I directed my soul to her. In purity I found her. I got myself a heart joined with her from the beginning. Therefore I won't be forsaken.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11
The LORD's precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. The LORD's commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever. The LORD's ordinances are true, and righteous altogether. They are more to be desired than gold, yes, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb. Moreover your servant is warned by them. In keeping them there is great reward.
Gospel
Mark 11:27-33
They came again to Jerusalem, and as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him, and they began saying to him, "By what authority do you do these things? Or who gave you this authority to do these things?" Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John-was it from heaven, or from men? Answer me." They reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we should say, 'From heaven;' he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?' If we should say, 'From men' "-they feared the people, for all held John to really be a prophet. They answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."
A question for your journal
What line from today's readings do you want to carry into one ordinary hour?
Scripture text: World English Bible Catholic Edition, public domain. Reading citations are prepared for Come Aside from MIT-licensed citation metadata.
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