Daily Readings - Tue Jun 06 2023
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 profound lessons on faith and integrity. The first reading from Tobit portrays a man of unwavering faith despite suffering. Tobit, though afflicted with blindness and faced with his wife's doubt, remains steadfast in his devotion to God, exemplifying patience and trust. His story reminds us that true faith endures even in the darkest times, teaching us to maintain our commitment to God amidst life's challenges.
The Gospel from Mark presents Jesus being tested by the Pharisees regarding taxes. Jesus' response, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's," highlights the balance between earthly responsibilities and spiritual duties. This wisdom encourages us to fulfill our obligations in the world while keeping our focus on divine priorities.
Both readings connect through their emphasis on faith and integrity. Tobit's patience and Jesus' wisdom show us how to navigate life's difficulties with trust in God. Applying this to our lives, we are called to remain faithful during hardships and to act with honesty in all aspects of life, whether spiritual or worldly. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God and live with integrity, ensuring our actions reflect both our earthly duties and our spiritual devotion.