INCLINE MY EAR A LITTLE…

Sirach 51:12-20

12 for thou didst save me from destruction and rescue me from an evil plight. Therefore I will give thanks to thee and praise thee, and I will bless the name of the Lord.13 While I was still young, before I went on my travels, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer.14 Before the temple I asked for her, and I will search for her to the last.15 From blossom to ripening grape my heart delighted in her; my foot entered upon the straight path; from my youth I followed her steps.16 I inclined my ear a little and received her, and I found for myself much instruction.
17 I made progress therein; to him who gives wisdom I will give glory.18 For I resolved to live according to wisdom, and I was zealous for the good; and I shall never be put to shame.19 My soul grappled with wisdom, and in my conduct I was strict; I spread out my hands to the heavens, and lamented my ignorance of her.20 I directed my soul to her, and through purification I found her. I gained understanding with her from the first, therefore I will not be forsaken.

Mark 11:27-33

27 And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, 28 and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?”29 Jesus said to them, “I will ask you a question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
30 Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men? Answer me.”
31 And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’
32 But shall we say, ‘From men’?”–they were afraid of the people, for all held that John was a real prophet. 33 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”  

MEDITATION

THE FIRST READING is a genre of wisdom literature of a pilgrim who gives a testimony of his search to be saved and to follow the straight path that leeds to righteousness. We are presented with an image of a lover who in his search for a soulmate found  wisdom that offered knowledge and a life that is ordered to do good, brings delight and purified the seeker who daily give thanks to the Lord.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO St MARK: Our Lord is confronted in the temple by a delegation of religious officials who sought to know from whence He received His authority to preach and teach! The temple officials asked an important and nessesary question to validate that Christ Jesus was not an imposter who spread false teachings in the guise of being the Messiah.Jesus tactfully responded to His interlocutors with a question that caused them to pause! Since the populace considered John the Baptist to be a “real prophet” they found themselves snared and chose their right to silence and self-preservation to avoid the wrath of the people! It is obvious that our Lords wise counter question ‘inclined the ears’ of His interlocutors who was illuminated with truth, but alas they opted to hold their authoritive position and deny the divinity of Christ to protect themselves from the populace and the Roman authority who would have removed and percecuted them, because there could be no god or king other than Ceasar Augusta! 

To be sure, many ‘religious’ hoaxers have presented themselves on the stage of history as being messengers of God and an authority on matters of faith. Resemblances does not mean equal, because rites and practices have different meanings, motives and outcomes. Those who are unsure about their faith tradition and the beliefs they hold are called to incline their gift of hearing and understanding to: seek the truth, pray for wisdom in search of the religious Tradition that dates back to the first century. To ‘plead the right to silence’ and remain ignorant is not a wise option!

LET US PRAY: Psalms 19:8-11

8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever; the ordinances of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Author. Henry R SYLVESTER Note: The daily scripture readings are taken from the Roman Missal which the Catholic Church use in the daily Celebration of the Holy Eucharist throughout the world.Some weekly readings may differ because of the celebration of local feast days.