Daily Catholic Mass Readings for June 5, 2018
First Reading: 2 Peter 3.12-15a, 17-18
12as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.13But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.14So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.15Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.17Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
Psalm 90
1Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.2Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.3You turn men back to dust, saying, "Return to dust, O sons of men."4For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.5You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning-6though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered.7We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation.8You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.9All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan.10The length of our days is seventy years- or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.11Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.12Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.13Relent, O LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants.14Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.15Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble.16May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children.17May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us- yes, establish the work of our hands.
Gospel: Mark 12.13-17
13Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words.14They came to him and said, "Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?15Should we pay or shouldn't we?"16But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. "Why are you trying to trap me?" he asked. "Bring me a denarius and let me look at it." They brought the coin, and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?Caesar's," they replied.17Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." And they were amazed at him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the balance between our earthly responsibilities and our spiritual commitments. The First Reading from 2 Peter encourages us to live with an awareness of God's promise of a new heavens and a new earth, where justice will dwell. It reminds us to be diligent in our faith, growing in grace and knowledge of Christ, while being cautious not to be led astray by the errors of the world. The Gospel from Mark presents Jesus' teaching on the relationship between earthly authority and divine authority. When asked about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus responds by pointing out that we must render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God. This teaching challenges us to live in a way that respects both the temporal and spiritual dimensions of our lives.
The readings are connected by the theme of living in anticipation of God's justice and truth. In the First Reading, we are reminded that we are awaiting the day when God's justice will fully reign. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us how to live in the present while keeping our eyes fixed on that future. His response to the question about taxes emphasizes the importance of integrity and balance in our lives. We are called to be faithful citizens of both the earthly kingdom and the kingdom of God, recognizing that our ultimate allegiance is to God.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how we can apply this balance to our daily lives. We are called to be people of integrity, living justly and faithfully in the world while keeping our hearts and minds focused on God. This means being responsible stewards of the gifts and resources we have, whether they are material or spiritual. It also means being mindful of the ways in which our actions and decisions reflect our commitment to God's justice and love. Let us strive to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that we may live in a way that honors both Caesar and God, and ultimately, be found steadfast and faithful when the day of the Lord comes.