Saturday 3 June 2023
St Charles Lwanga & Cc. Ecclesiasticus 51:12-20. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart – Psalm 18(19):8-11. Mark 11:27-33.
God’s invitation
As we read today’s Gospel we might imagine Church leaders in our own time questioning a charismatic young preacher, asking them where they studied and who has given them permission to undertake their ministry. The chief priests and elders understandably see it as their job to ensure preachers are leading people on a sound path.
However, Jesus isn’t just any young preacher; his authority comes directly from God. The chief priests and elders probably won’t accept this answer, so Jesus tests them, asking whether they think John’s baptism was of heavenly origin or human. If they can accept that John’s baptism came from heaven, they can also accept Jesus’ authority. But the chief priests and elders cannot answer him.
Many people are drawn to the wisdom of Jesus. But Jesus came to us as more than just a preacher – he came with a message and an invitation directly from God. Can we accept this invitation?
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