Daily Readings - Tue Jun 01 2021
Mark
13And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk.14And they came and said to him, "Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone's opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?"15But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, "Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it."16And they brought one. And he said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said to him, "Caesar's."17Jesus said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they marveled at him.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful lessons about faith, integrity, and trust in God’s providence. The first reading from the Book of Tobit presents us with a man who, despite suffering blindness and mockery from his family, remains steadfast in his faith and commitment to God. Tobit’s story is one of patience and perseverance, as he continues to live a life of virtue even in the face of great trial. His wife’s frustration and doubt contrast sharply with his unwavering trust in God, showing us how difficult it can be to hold onto faith when circumstances seem to contradict our hopes.
In the Gospel, Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees and Herodians, who attempt to trap him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus’ response, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s,” is a masterful teaching that transcends the political manipulation of his questioners. He reminds us that our lives must be lived in balance—honoring our earthly responsibilities while never forgetting that our ultimate allegiance belongs to God. This teaching calls us to live with integrity, ensuring that our actions reflect our values and priorities.
Both readings invite us to reflect on how we navigate the challenges of life while remaining faithful to God. Tobit’s patience and Jesus’ wisdom remind us that our trust in God’s plan must guide us, even when the world around us seems to contradict our beliefs. In our daily lives, we are called to live with integrity, balancing our responsibilities in the world while keeping our hearts and minds focused on God. Let us ask for the grace to trust in God’s providence, even when the road ahead seems uncertain, and to live in a way that reflects our ultimate allegiance to Him.