Homily for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Gospel passage occurs when the Sadducees, Pharisees, and chief priests had grown frustrated with Jesus and His message. They wanted to kill Him, but they knew He had the support of the people, which made them hesitant to act.

The questions they posed to Jesus were designed to trap Him and provoke Him into blasphemy, providing them with a reason to put Him to death. Their intentions were self-serving, hidden beneath the surface of what may have seemed to be innocent questioning.

Similarly, we often bring our own agendas when we approach Jesus. Typically, we seek something we want, a desired change, or a struggle with aspects of our lives or faith that we find difficult. Sometimes, without realizing it, our agendas can contradict Jesus’ message.

Whatever we pray for, we must offer these prayers with a genuinely open heart, mind, and soul. We should strive to set aside our agendas to more perfectly align with God's will.