First reading Tobit 2:9-14
‘Everyone knows what return you have had for your good works’
I, Tobit, took a bath; then I went into the courtyard and lay down by the courtyard wall. Since it was hot I left my face uncovered. I did not know that there were sparrows in the wall above my head; their hot droppings fell into my eyes. White spots then formed, which I was obliged to have treated by the doctors. But the more ointments they tried me with, the more the spots blinded me, and in the end I became blind altogether. I remained without sight four years; all my brothers were distressed; and Ahikar provided for my upkeep for two years, till he left for Elymais.
My wife Anna then undertook woman’s work; she would spin wool and take cloth to weave; she used to deliver whatever had been ordered from her and then receive payment. Now on March the seventh she finished a piece of work and delivered it to her customers. They paid her all that was due, and into the bargain presented her with a kid for a meal. When the kid came into my house, it began to bleat. I called to my wife and said, ‘Where does this creature come from? Suppose it has been stolen! Quick, let the owners have it back; we have no right to eat stolen goods.’ She said, ‘No, it was a present given me over and above my wages.’ I did not believe her, and told her to give it back to the owners (I blushed at this in her presence). Then she answered, ‘What about your own alms? What about your own good works? Everyone knows what return you have had for them.’
Responsorial Psalm 111(112):1-2,7-9
With a firm heart he trusts in the Lord.
or
Alleluia!
Happy the man who fears the Lord,
who takes delight in all his commands.
His sons will be powerful on earth;
the children of the upright are blessed.
He has no fear of evil news;
with a firm heart he trusts in the Lord.
With a steadfast heart he will not fear;
he will see the downfall of his foes.
Open-handed, he gives to the poor;
his justice stands firm for ever.
His head will be raised in glory.
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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Belonging to God
The Jewish leaders wanted to discredit Jesus in front of the crowd who respected Him as a prophet and teacher. They asked Jesus a question regarding paying taxes to Caesar. Though Jesus knew their insincerity, He was patient with them. He took a coin bearing the image of Caesar, and asked, “Whose head is this?…” They answered, “Cesar’s”. Jesus answered their question by saying, “Give to Caesar what belonged to Caesar.” Going deeper, Jesus added, “- and to God what belongs to God.”
Like the coin belonging to the ruler of the country because it bore the ruler’s image, we belong to God because we have been imprinted with God’s image. And so, Jesus invites us to give God what rightfully belongs to Him. We do so by following Jesus and giving our lives to the work of love and service. We must never forget the truth that we belong to God, who loves us unconditionally. Living rooted in this sense of belonging to God, we can joyfully live for Him and with Him.
Reflective question:
How can I give my life to God today?
How can I give my life to God today?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Sandra Seow FMVD.
