Daily Gospel Reflection for June 2, 2020

Today's Gospel: Mark 12:13-17

This specific passage is one of the most quoted in the Bible. What began as an attempt for the Pharisees and Herodians to catch Jesus in a trap ended in this backfiring on them. They were disingenuous when posing what they thought would be an unanswerable query to Jesus. "Is it lawful" to pay taxes to Caesar? This was apparently a reminder that Jesus was suppose to be submissive to Rome and Caesar. He could have responded negatively and it would have resulted in marking him an enemy to Rome. They obviously expected Jesus to say "Give Caesar nothing and give everything to God." It is important to have an orderly government, but the need to answer to God forms how we behave as citizens. Jesus' enemies are hoping to accuse Him and diminish his growing popularity at the same time by making Him say He is not in favor of paying taxes to the Romans and to Caesar. Jesus wants us to practice justice and honesty as the law of God demands. It should be reflected in our actions to one another.

[Tweet "Jesus wants us to practice justice and honesty as the law of God demands. It should be reflected in our actions to one another. #dailygospel"]

Ponder:

How do we handle hypocrites in our lives? How do we guard against them?

Pray:

Jesus, please fill us with love but when we are surrounded by those who are out to hurt us; give us strength to respond as You would.

Copyright 2020 Catherine Mendenhall-Baugh

Receive CatholicMom.com newsletters in your inbox, including the Daily Gospel Reflection each morning!

* indicates required