Daily Readings - Tue Jun 01 2021
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 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.