Daily Readings - Tue Jun 02 2020
2 Peter
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.
Mark
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 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.