Humility and Understanding of God

June 3, Saturday of the Eight Week of Ordinary Time-
Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs
Daily Readings: Sirach 44: 1, 9-13; Gospel: Mark 11: 11-26 

Obstacles appeared and disappeared throughout Jesus' work to proclaim the good news. The tale of Jesus with the chief priests, scribes, and elders is frequently mentioned in the Gospels.

Many chief priests, clerics, and elders relied on their heads rather than their emotions. They believe God is restricted to the rule of law, which governs what is and is not permissible. Jesus was aware of this and exploited it to put them to the test.

It is obvious how those who had the most to say about God could not address one question that Jesus raised.

In today's reading, Jesus wishes to demonstrate that the chief priests, scribes, elders, and us must study and learn a great deal. God is omnipresent and never ceases to work.

Aside from stacks of books and the numerous permitted and not permitted regulations, there is a God who is all-compassionate and all-merciful.

Then Jesus intended to demonstrate that pride is more deadly than knowledge. The chief priests, scribes, and elders may have felt that by learning the scriptures, they better understood God and used that knowledge to try people they didn't like. Pride is on display here.

Jesus' presence demonstrates what the chief priests, scribes, and elders genuinely lack: humility and comprehension of God, who resides in the present and never stops working and paying attention. The same God is present and active through the individuals they encounter, whom they both greet and condemn unfairly.

Do we frequently act as chief priests, scribes, and elders? Do you truly know God because you attend church and study the Bible regularly? Do you frequently treat those you perceive to be different from you unfairly? Do you often dismiss the notion that God is present and active in everyone?