May 29, 2027

12He saved me from every evil and preserved me in time of trouble. For this reason I thank and praise him; I bless the name of the LORD. 13Ben Sira’s Pursuit of Wisdom - When I was young and innocent, I sought wisdom. 14She came to me in her beauty, and until the end I will cultivate her. 15As the blossoms yielded to ripening grapes, the heart’s joy, My feet kept to the level path because from earliest youth I was familiar with her. 16In the short time I paid heed, I met with great instruction. 17Since in this way I have profited, I will give my Teacher grateful praise. 18I resolved to tread her paths; I have been jealous for the good and will not turn back. 19I burned with desire for her, never relenting. I became preoccupied with her, never weary of extolling her. I spread out my hands to the heavens and I came to know her secrets. 20For her I purified my hands; in cleanness I attained to her. At first acquaintance with her, I gained understanding such that I will never forsake her.

8II - The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. 9The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart. The command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye. 10The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The statutes of the LORD are true, all of them just; 11More desirable than gold, than a hoard of purest gold, Sweeter also than honey or drippings from the comb.

16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

27They returned once more to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple area, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders approached him 28and said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do them?” 29Jesus said to them, “I shall ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me.” 31They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say, ‘[Then] why did you not believe him?’ 32But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”—they feared the crowd, for they all thought John really was a prophet. 33So 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.”