March 5, Saturday Weekday

The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. — Psalm 19:9

Mass Readings: Sirach 51:12-20 / Mark 11:27-33 

Q. & A. 

An old joke goes that a college student was taking a test for which he was totally unprepared so he answered every question with “Only God knows.” Days later, he got the graded exam back with the professor’s evaluation: “God got 100 percent; you got zero!” In today’s Gospel, the religious authorities behaved like the student, dodging Jesus’ question for fear that the truth would surface and their failures come to light. 

Which questions are we dodging as the Spirit probes our hearts? “Do you fear man’s opinion more than Mine? Are you willing to suffer for My sake? Are you serious about conversion? What changes are you resisting? Do you really want to follow Me wherever I lead you? Can you humbly acknowledge your guilt and honestly confess your sins? Are you growing spiritually or are you stagnant?”

Prayer: Dear God, help me pay attention to Your questions and be sincere in my responses.