FIRST READING: Sirach 51: 12 - 20
12 Therefore I will give thanks to thee and praise thee, and I will bless the name of the Lord.
13 While I was still young, before I went on my travels, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer.
14 Before the temple I asked for her, and I will search for her to the last.
15 From blossom to ripening grape my heart delighted in her; my foot entered upon the straight path; from my youth I followed her steps.
16 I inclined my ear a little and received her, and I found for myself much instruction.
17 I made progress therein; to him who gives wisdom I will give glory.
18 For I resolved to live according to wisdom, and I was zealous for the good; and I shall never be put to shame.
19 My soul grappled with wisdom, and in my conduct I was strict; I spread out my hands to the heavens, and lamented my ignorance of her.
20 I directed my soul to her, and through purification I found her. I gained understanding with her from the first, therefore I will not be forsaken.
PSALM: Psalms 19: 8 - 11
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever; the ordinances of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
GOSPEL: Mark 11: 27 - 33
27 And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him,
28 and they said to him, "By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?"
29 Jesus said to them, "I will ask you a question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
30 Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men? Answer me."
31 And they argued with one another, "If we say, `From heaven,' he will say, `Why then did you not believe him?'
32 But shall we say, `From men'?" -- they were afraid of the people, for all held that John was a real prophet.
33 So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."
