29/05/2026
Gospel Reading
May 29, 2026
Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich,
so that by his poverty you might become rich.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Gospel
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Mark
Gospel of Mark
Mark 11:11–26
After making a survey of everything, since it was already late, Jesus went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry. Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!” And his disciples heard it.
They came to Jerusalem, and on entering the temple area he began to drive out those selling and buying there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. He did not permit anyone to carry anything through the temple area. Then he taught them saying, “Is it not written:
‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples’?
But you have made it a den of thieves.”
The chief priests and the scribes came to hear of it and were seeking a way to put him to death, yet they feared him because the whole crowd was astonished at his teaching.
When evening came, they went out of the city.
Early in the morning, as they were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots. Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God. Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does
The Gospel of the Lord
In today’s Gospel, Jesus cleanses the temple and teaches about faith and prayer. He reminds His disciples that the house of God is meant to be a place of prayer, not selfishness or empty worship. Jesus also teaches that true faith trusts completely in God and that forgiveness is necessary when we pray.
Reflection
The Gospel invites us to look honestly at our hearts. Sometimes we appear faithful outwardly, yet inside we may carry anger, pride, selfishness, or lack of trust in God. Jesus desires not only clean churches and beautiful prayers but also hearts that are sincere and open to Him.
When Jesus speaks about faith that can move mountains, He is teaching us to pray with confidence and perseverance. God listens to every sincere prayer, though His answers may come in ways and times we do not expect. Faith grows when we continue trusting even during difficulties.
Jesus also connects prayer with forgiveness. A heart filled with resentment struggles to experience peace. Forgiving others does not mean forgetting the pain, but it means allowing God to heal our hearts and free us from bitterness.
Today, Jesus calls us to become living temples of prayer, faith, mercy, and love.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
cleanse my heart of everything that separates me from You. Teach me to pray with faith, humility, and trust. Help me forgive those who have hurt me, just as You forgive me each day. Strengthen me when my faith is weak and guide me to live with love and sincerity. May my life become a true dwelling place for Your presence and peace.
Amen.