Reflection for May 30 Saturday of the Eighth in Ordinary Time: Mark 11:27-33

Gospel: Mark 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.”

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Reflection:

The story is told of a lay minister was elected chairman of his church ministry. Upon being elected, however, his true character became more apparent, for he became deeply obsessed with his newfound authority. He told the members of the ministry this very prideful statement: “I am now the head of this ministry; thus, it is incumbent upon all of you to follow what I want.”

In the Gospel, Jesus was asked by His persecutors: “By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do them?” (Mark 11:28). Were they truly concerned about Jesus’ authority, or were they simply threatened because their own authority was slowly being diminished by Jesus’ growing popularity among the common people?

Authority in itself is not wrong. In fact, authority can become a beautiful instrument for service when it is exercised with humility, prudence, compassion, and love. This is exactly how Jesus exercised His authority. Unlike the Pharisees and the chief priests of His time, who often used their authority to protect their pride and advance their self-serving interests, Jesus used His authority to heal the wounded, guide the lost, uplift the poor, and reveal the love and mercy of God.

As followers of Christ, we are all entrusted with some form of authority, influence, or responsibility — in our families, communities, workplaces, ministries, and relationships. The question is not whether we have authority, but how we use it. Do we use it to control, dominate, and seek recognition for ourselves, or do we use it to serve, encourage, and bring others closer to God?

May we always remember that true greatness in God’s eyes is not found in power, position, or recognition, but in humble service. The authority that comes from God should never lead us to pride, but instead move us to love more deeply, serve more faithfully, and become more like Christ each day.

When people experience our leadership, influence, or authority, do they encounter our pride — or do they encounter the humble and loving presence of Jesus in us?— Marino J. Dasmarinas