Saturday of Week 8 in Ordinary Time
First Reading
Jude 1:17,20–25
Remember, my dear friends, what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ told you to expect.
You must use your most holy faith as your foundation and build on that, praying in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves within the love of God and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you eternal life.
When there are some who have doubts reassure them; when there are some to be saved from the fire, pull them out; but there are others to whom you must be kind with great caution.
Glory be to him who can keep you from falling and bring you safe to his glorious presence, innocent and happy.
To God, the only God, who saves us through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, authority and power, now and for ever. Amen.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 62(63):2–6
My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
O God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
Your love is better than life.
My lips will speak your praise.
Gospel
Mark 11:27–33
Jesus was walking in the Temple when the chief priests, scribes, and elders approached Him.
They asked, “What authority have you for acting like this?”
Jesus answered with a question concerning John’s baptism.
Unable to answer honestly, they replied, “We do not know.”
Jesus then said, “Nor will I tell you my authority for acting like this.”
Reflection
Today’s readings draw us into the deep relationship between faith, truth, and spiritual discernment.
Saint Jude offers one of the clearest exhortations for Christian perseverance:
“Use your most holy faith as your foundation.”
A foundation determines stability. Without a strong foundation, every structure eventually collapses under pressure.
The Catechism teaches that faith is both a gift from God and a human response requiring perseverance and growth (CCC 153–165). Faith must be nourished through prayer, Scripture, and communion with Christ.
Jude specifically commands prayer in the Holy Spirit.
This reminds us that prayer is not merely recitation but participation in God’s life. The Holy Spirit strengthens us, guides us, and helps us remain within God’s love (CCC 2670–2672).
Jude also calls us outward.
Faith that is alive reaches toward others. We are to reassure the doubtful, rescue the vulnerable, and exercise mercy with wisdom.
This reflects the Church’s mission to accompany souls toward salvation with truth and compassion.
The Gospel presents the opposite response.
The religious leaders encounter Truth Himself, yet refuse to acknowledge Him.
Their question about authority is not sincere inquiry but defensive resistance. They fear losing status more than missing God’s revelation.
This exposes a spiritual danger: when pride hardens the heart, truth becomes threatening.
Jesus’ authority was evident through His teaching, miracles, and holiness. Yet recognising divine authority requires humility.
The Catechism reminds us that obedience of faith involves freely submitting ourselves to God’s revealed truth (CCC 144).
This is the invitation for us today.
Will we seek truth honestly?
Will we allow Christ’s authority to shape our decisions?
Will we remain rooted in faith even when challenged?
Only lives built on Christ can endure.
One line to carry
Lord, strengthen my faith so I may recognise Your authority and remain steadfast in Your love.
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