Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs

1st Reading – Sirach 51:12CD-20

I thank you and praise you. O Lord, I praise you!

When I was still young, before I started out on my travels, I boldly prayed for Wisdom.

I went to the Temple and asked for her, and I will look for her as long as I live.

From my blossoming youth to my ripe old age she has been my delight. I have followed directly in her path ever since I was young.

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.

I fought for Wisdom and was strict in my conduct. When I prayed, I sadly confessed how far short of Wisdom I fell.

But I was determined to have her, and I found her by keeping myself free from sin. I have grown in Wisdom since first I found her, and I will never be without her.

 

Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 19:8, 9, 10, 11

R. (9ab) 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.

 

Alleluia – Colossians 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.

 

Gospel – Mark 11:27-33

They arrived once again in Jerusalem. As Jesus was walking in the Temple, the chief priests, the teachers of the Law, and the elders came to him and asked him, “What right have you to do these things? Who gave you this right?”

Jesus answered them, “I will ask you just one question, and if you give me an answer, I will tell you what right I have to do these things.

Tell me, where did John’s right to baptize come from: was it from God or from human beings?”

They started to argue among themselves: “What shall we say? If we answer, ‘From God,’ he will say, ‘Why, then, did you not believe John?’

But if we say, ‘From human beings… ‘ ” (They were afraid of the people, because everyone was convinced that John had been a prophet.)

So their answer to Jesus was, “We don’t know.” Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you, then, by what right I do these things.”