Answer a Question with a Question

Jun 3: Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs

Today is all about wisdom and learning. Some people want to learn, like Ben Sira, others not so much, like the scribes and priests.

Reading 1

Sir 51:12 cd-20

I thank the LORD and I praise him; I bless the name of the LORD. When I was young and innocent, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer I prayed for her before the temple, and I will seek her until the end, and she flourished as a grape soon ripe. My heart delighted in her, My feet kept to the level path because from earliest youth I was familiar with her. In the short time I paid heed, I met with great instruction. Since in this way I have profited, I will give my teacher grateful praise. I became resolutely devoted to her—the good I persistently strove for. My soul was tormented in seeking her, My hand opened her gate and I came to know her secrets. I directed my soul to her, and in cleanness I attained to her.

Ben Sira asked for wisdom and received it!¹ He knew of all the things he could pray for, wisdom would last his whole life.

Yet, there’s something higher than wisdom—God. He thanks God first, for the gift of wisdom, instead of worshiping wisdom itself. This was the mistake the ancients made, worshiping the creations of God rather than God Himself.

Responsorial Psalm

PS 19:8, 9, 10, 11

R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart.
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

One way to gain wisdom is by reading scripture, and studying God’s law. It’s not always easy to understand and interpret, so we need help from scholars and religious, but it is all there. We can trust that the ordinances are true and just, if we don’t understand.

Which is why we should also pray for supernatural understanding as well.

Alleluia

See Col 3:16a, 17c

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly;
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Reading and studying will ingrain God’s word in you.

Gospel

Mk 11:27-33

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.”

Sometimes, the best way to teach someone is to ask them to figure it out for themselves.

The scribes and elders know Jesus has backed them into a corner, and there’s no right answer for them.

What this should teach them is that their worldview is incorrect, and they need to start reflecting, and maybe praying for some wisdom to discern the correct position. They don’t.

But if we ever find ourselves in a spot where either answer involves admitting we’re wrong, we shouldn’t follow the elders’ example. Don’t just dodge the question and avoid answering.

Pray for wisdom like Ben Sira, and then thank God like in the Psalms.

1. That’s why Sirach is one of the Wisdom Books of the Bible.