First reading 2 Peter 3:11-15,17-18
We are waiting for the new heaven and the new earth
You should be living holy and saintly lives while you wait and long for the Day of God to come, when the sky will dissolve in flames and the elements melt in the heat. What we are waiting for is what he promised: the new heavens and new earth, the place where righteousness will be at home. So then, my friends, while you are waiting, do your best to live lives without spot or stain so that he will find you at peace. Think of our Lord’s patience as your opportunity to be saved. You have been warned about this, my friends; be careful not to get carried away by the errors of unprincipled people, from the firm ground that you are standing on. Instead, go on growing in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory, in time and in eternity. Amen.
Responsorial Psalm 89(90):2-4,10,14,16
O Lord, you have been our refuge, from generation to generation.
Before the mountains were born,
or the earth or the world were brought forth,
you are God, form age to age.
You turn man back to dust,
and say, “Return, o children of men.”
To your eyes a thousand years
are like yesterday, come and gone,
or like a watch in the night.
Seventy years in the span of our days,
or eighty if we are strong.
And most of these are toil and pain.
They pass swiftly and we are gone.
At dawn, fill us with your merciful love;
we shall exult and rejoice all our days.
Let your deed be seen by your servants,
and your glorious power by their children.
Gospel Mark 12:13-17
Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God
The chief priests and the scribes and the elders sent to Jesus some Pharisees and some Herodians to catch him out in what he said. These came and said to him, ‘Master, we know you are an honest man, that you are not afraid of anyone, because a man’s rank means nothing to you, and that you teach the way of God in all honesty. Is it permissible to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay, yes or no?’ Seeing through their hypocrisy he said to them, ‘Why do you set this trap for me? Hand me a denarius and let me see it.’ They handed him one and he said, ‘Whose head is this? Whose name?’ ‘Caesar’s’ they told him. Jesus said to them, ‘Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar – and to God what belongs to God.’ This reply took them completely by surprise.
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Bearing God’s image of love
In today’s first reading, St Peter reminds us of the importance of living “holy and saintly lives”. We often think of holiness as something distant, unattainable or meant only for a select few. However, holiness is for all of us and is grounded in practical love. It involves letting God’s way of loving, little by little, shape our own as we go about our daily activities.
In the Gospel, the religious leaders try to trap Jesus by asking Him a question about paying taxes to Caesar. He responds by saying, “Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar – and to God what belongs to God.” We give to God what belongs to Him because we bear His image, and so, our whole being- heart, mind and strength-belongs to Him. Today, Jesus invites us to live with the constant awareness that we belong to God and to live intentionally, loving as He loves.
Reflective question:
In what concrete way can I “give to God what is God’s” today? (For example, through making a choice to be patient with someone, or by forming a healthy habit that shows my love for Him.)
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
