Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: June 2,2026

LECTIO - Read Scripture Text:   Mark 12:13-17

And they sent to Him certain Pharisees and members of the Herodians to catch Him in His words. And when they came to Him, they said, “Master, we know that you are a truthful one and unconcerned by the opinion of another. We know that your regard not a person’s status but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not? Shall we give or shall we not give?”

But knowing their hypocrisy, He said to them, “Why are you tempting me? Bring me a coin that I may see it.” And they brought one. He said to them, “Whose image and subscription is this?” And they replied to Him, “Caesar’s.”

And Jesus answered them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were amazed at Him.

MEDITATIO - Meditate on text, allow the LORD to touch us with His Word:

BREAKING OPEN THE TEXT:

Today’s gospel reading recounts Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees and Herodians who were seeking to trap Him with His answer to their question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus isn’t fooled by their flattery before asking their question. Jesus’ answer is more profound than they expected. In telling them to give to Caesar the things that are his but to God the things that are God’s, Jesus is reminding us that the Caesars control only earthly realms and entities, but the LORD is over all including over us. Caesare may claim our earthly wealth, but only the LORD can claim our love and our souls.

ORATIO – Lifting our minds and hearts to the LORD in prayer:

LORD, I am only because You are and because of your creative and transformative love. Grant that daily I will remember that it is to You I owe my life and love. Remain in me, LORD, and grant that I will remain in You in whom I live and move and have my being.

CONTEMPLATIO – Sitting with the LORD in silence for a minute or more