Scripture:
Reflection:
The author of Mark’s Gospel writes just enough to catch our attention, and then leaves us to consider the depths of the passage. That is the case with today’s reading. The chief priests, elders and scribes are again trying to trap Jesus. He agrees to answer their questions, “By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you the authority to do them?”, if they first answer His question, “Was John’s baptism of heavenly or human origin?” They are so afraid of the crowd they cannot agree among themselves how to answer Jesus, so He refuses to answer their question.
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Justin the Martyr, a Greek philosopher in the early church. He debated with and preached to Greek and Roman pagans which ultimately led to his death. Unlike the chief priests, elders and scribes, Justin bravely answered questions while preaching an unpopular and ultimately dangerous message. Justin’s life was a living witness of the Holy Spirit’s gift of fortitude.
Most of us will never face life threatening challenges for our beliefs, but we may be in situations that challenge us to speak out on our Christian beliefs. Perhaps we are worn down with the difficulties of daily living due to financial burden, illness, addiction, and difficult relationships. In those moments, we should keep in mind the words of Pope Francis:
“Dear friends, sometimes we may be tempted to give in to laziness, or worse, to discouragement, especially when faced with the hardships and trials of life. In these cases, let us not lose heart, let us invoke the Holy Spirit so that through the gift of fortitude he may lift our heart and communicate new strength and enthusiasm to our life and to our following of Jesus.”
Mike Owens is coordinator of the Passionist Alumni Association and a member of the Migration Commission of Holy Cross Province. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.