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Gospel Reading for May 30, 2026 – Mark 11: 27-33
MIRACLE UPON MIRACLE
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.”
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Jesus was performing marvelous deeds wherever he went—MIRACLE UPON MIRACLE. Countless sick people were healed, many were given hope, and many more were taught the true meaning of love. Yet the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders wanted to know by whose authority he was doing these things. Instead of being grateful that such a great prophet (for they believed him to be only a prophet) had come among them, they focused on legalities and questioned his authority.
But there is nothing unlawful about doing good. In fact, laws are meant to protect what is good for individuals and for the community. What is truly wrong are actions that harm others or work against the common good.
Often, we find it difficult to appreciate the goodness and accomplishments of others because they remind us of our own limitations or of what we ourselves have failed to do. Instead of rejoicing in the good being done, we can sometimes become jealous, critical, or suspicious.
As Christians, however, we are all called to do our part in making life more beautiful, joyful, peaceful, and filled with hope, because this is the will of our Creator and Father in heaven. There is no need for competition among us, for each of us has been blessed with unique gifts and abilities for building up God’s Kingdom. Though our gifts may differ, they all have the same purpose—to serve God and one another.
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” (Romans 12: 4–6)
Lord Jesus, teach us to generously share with your Church the gifts and talents you have entrusted to us, so that together we may build up your Kingdom in love and unity.
