Tuesday in Holy Week

Again they came to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?’ Jesus said to them, ‘I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin? Answer me.’ They argued with one another, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say, “Why then did you not believe him?” But shall we say, “Of human origin”?’—they were afraid of the crowd, for all regarded John as truly a prophet. So they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.’ Mark 11:27-33

Patient Creator, you wait as we struggle

offering your wisdom in our breath

you weep when we are lost and afraid

you stand with us when we are tested.

There is so much loss we haven't mourned

there is so much violence we can't stop

there is so much selfishness we engage in

yet you love us with every heart beat.

The religious elders often tested you

your disciples scattered when afraid

you did not give up on them then

and you do not give up on us now.

Help us to walk this sacred week

with humility and with eyes open

let us see our faults and cruelty

so that your love permeates our time. Amen.