Daily Readings - Tue Jun 04 2024
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 encounter two powerful messages that guide us in navigating our dual existence as earthly beings with a heavenly calling. The second reading from 2 Peter reminds us of the importance of patience and growth in holiness as we await the coming of the Lord. It encourages us to remain steadfast and not be swayed by the errors of the world, emphasizing that our ultimate hope lies in the promise of a new heavens and a new earth. This passage reassures early Christians, who were anxious about the delay in Christ’s return, to stay focused on their spiritual growth.
The Gospel from Mark presents Jesus’s wise response to a politically charged question about paying taxes. By asking whose image is on the coin, Jesus cleverly avoids the trap set by the Pharisees and Herodians, teaching a lesson about rightful obligations. This passage highlights the tension between earthly duties and divine allegiance, urging believers to fulfill their responsibilities in the world while keeping their hearts and minds focused on God.
Both readings remind us to live as citizens of two realms: the earthly and the heavenly. We are called to balance our duties in the world, such as paying taxes and working, with our commitment to grow in grace and knowledge of God. The moral lesson here is one of integrity and prioritization—fulfilling our earthly obligations while nurturing our spiritual lives. As we go about our daily tasks, we are invited to reflect on how we can live out our faith practically, ensuring that our actions and decisions honor both Caesar and God. This balance is not about compartmentalizing our lives but about integrating our faith into every aspect, making it the foundation of all we do.