Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: June 4, 2024

Date: Tuesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Mark 12:13-17

Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to ensnare him in his speech. They came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion. You do not regard a person’s status but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or should we not pay?” Knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.” They brought one to him and he said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They replied to him, “Caesar’s.” So, Jesus said to them, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” They were utterly amazed at him.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today centers on Jesus’ response to those seeking to use His words against Him. Specifically, his rejectors asked if it was “lawful” for a Jewish person to pay the Roman census tax. Jesus’ reply amazed them. For we readers today, Jesus’ reply of “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God” charges us with the responsibility of following the law of both of our earthly home and our Heavenly Father.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I allow my faith to inform my citizenship?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, my world, my country, my community, my family all come from You, through You, and exist in You. Help me to see that being your child and your disciple here on earth extends to all my relationships. Grant that I may let your law of love inform all my relationships. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.