Daily Readings - Tue Jun 02 2020
2 Peter
12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.15And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;17Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Mark
13And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.14And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?15Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.16And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's.17And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the delicate balance between our earthly responsibilities and our heavenly aspirations. The second reading from 2 Peter encourages us to live with hope and diligence, awaiting the promise of a new heavens and a new earth. It reminds us that while we journey through this life, we must grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Gospel from Mark presents Jesus being tested with a question about taxes, to which He responds by distinguishing between what belongs to Caesar and what belongs to God. His answer underscores the importance of fulfilling our earthly duties while remaining steadfast in our devotion to God.
The context of these readings is rooted in the early Christian experience. Peter’s letter addresses a community awaiting the Lord’s return, urging them to live virtuously and remain faithful despite the challenges of the present age. Mark’s Gospel, on the other hand, captures a moment where Jesus is confronted by those seeking to trap Him with a politically charged question. His response not only defuses the tension but also provides a timeless principle for living as disciples in a world that often demands our allegiance.
These readings invite us to reflect on how we navigate the dual realities of our lives. We are called to be responsible citizens in the world, fulfilling our obligations and contributing to the common good. At the same time, we are called to be faithful followers of Christ, prioritizing His will and living in a way that reflects His love and justice. The moral lesson here is clear: our ultimate allegiance is to God, but this does not excuse us from engaging with the world around us. Rather, it should inspire us to live with integrity, rendering to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.
As we apply this to our daily lives, let us strive to live in such a way that our faith informs every aspect of our existence. May we be diligent in growing closer to Christ, even as we fulfill our duties in the world. May we remember that our true citizenship is in heaven, and may we live in a way that reflects the hope and joy of that eternal promise.