May 30, 2026 // Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 11:27-33
Reflect on the Word //
My husband is a master conversationalist. We met in grade school, so I can accurately say that he has developed this gift for deep and meaningful conversation over many years of practice. I attribute it to his gift for making friends with other men who love to talk about meaningful things. Yes, he can chat about sports or movies, but he really comes into his own when talking about politics or social issues. He is naturally curious about the thoughts of others and unemotional about his viewpoints. I am happy to sit back quietly and witness his gift for encouraging people to get beyond the rhetoric or dichotomous thinking and into a deeper reflection on the true issues and complexity of the situations being discussed.
Jesus’s words in today’s Gospel remind me very much of my husband’s style. He answers one question with another question. Jesus refuses to be baited into answering a question that He does not desire to answer at that moment. He knows the motivation of those who ask Him and recognizes the consequences of answering the question.
Jesus knows the intent of the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders who approach Him. They do so with accusation in their hearts. And after posing a counter question, Jesus rightly refuses to answer them.
Everyone is not entitled to know everything, especially when it could be damaging for a situation or a relationship. And this is true for your life too. You can refuse to answer the questions of others. Not everyone is entitled to know everything about you and your life, your thoughts or your ideas. You can retain some privacy, even when engaged with a master conversationalist. The world generally does not appreciate the truth. The Lord wants us to be free to process and know the truth, to bring our thoughts to Him.
When it comes to the Lord, however, don’t refuse Him. He is worthy of our time and attention. He is always ready to talk, to listen, and to help us come to a deeper understanding of ourselves and of Who He is in our lives.
Relate to the Lord // Spend some time in prayer today speaking to Jesus honestly from your heart. What do you want to share with Him? Listen for His loving response.
