TODAY’S GOSPEL READING – 29 MAY - Prayers and Petitions

TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
29 MAY, 2026
Mark 11:11-26

Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple area.
He looked around at everything and, since it was already late,
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 not doubt in his heart
but believes that what he says will happen,
it shall be done for him.
Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer,
believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours.
When you stand to pray,
forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance,
so that your heavenly Father may in turn
forgive you your transgressions.”

THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!

REFLECTION

In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us three important lessons: to bear good fruit in our lives, to keep our hearts pure as houses of prayer, and to trust completely in God’s power through faith-filled prayer.

The barren fig tree reminds us that God desires more than appearances. He looks for the fruits of love, kindness, humility, and obedience in our daily lives. The cleansing of the Temple calls us to remove anything that distances us from God and to make our hearts a dwelling place for His presence.

Jesus also assures us that sincere prayer offered with faith is powerful. Yet He reminds us that forgiveness is essential. Before asking God for mercy, we are called to extend mercy to others.

As faithful followers of Christ , we should grow in faith, bear abundant spiritual fruit, and forgive with a loving heart. May our lives become a living testimony of God’s goodness and grace.

PRAYER

Lord, teach me today to love the place you dwell. Like the moneychangers in the temple, I have sometimes desecrated your temple – my body. Help me to clean up my mess and restore the sanctuary of the Holy Spirit in my life.

Mama Mary, guide us to your Son Jesus. Help us to trust in God’s promises, to forgive those who have hurt us, and to live each day bearing fruits of holiness and love. Amen