We love to own things. Whether it’s a house, a car, or even small things like a watch or a phone, there’s a sense of pride in calling something “mine.” We work hard to earn money so we can afford these things. But Jesus reminds us that while we give the world what it asks of us—taxes, work, responsibilities—we must also remember to give to God what belongs to Him.

So, what belongs to God? We do! Our time, our talents, our hearts belong to God. Everything we have is a gift from Him. While we strive for success in this world, we must not forget to live according to God’s purpose.

If we work hard, the world will reward us with money, promotions, and status. But it will never be enough. If we live a life of faith, doing good not just for personal gain but for God, He will reward us with something much greater—love, joy, peace, and eternal life! 

Monching Bueno (ramon_bueno@yahoo.com) 

reflect

“Do not think that if you surrender to God you will be loser. You will not lose anything except bondage, frustration, and suffering. That is all you will lose.” (Radhanath Swami)

Lord, help me to live not just for the world but for You. May I give You my time, my heart, and my life, knowing that true reward comes from You. Amen. 

Saints Marcellinus and Peter, martyrs, pray for us.

We are encouraged to strive diligently for holiness so that we may be found “without spot or stain” on Judgment Day. Let us take this advice seriously, lest we fail to reach the finish line in the race of salvation. May we remember the cost of discipleship and be willing to pay the price before embarking on the race of our lives.

¹² Beloved: Wait for and hasten the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved in flames and the elements melted by fire. ¹³ But according to his promise we await new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. ¹⁴ Therefore, beloved, since you await these things, be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace. ¹⁵ And consider the patience of our Lord as salvation. ¹⁷ Therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned, be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled and to fall from your own stability. ¹⁸ But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory now and to the day of eternity. Amen.   

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 90:2, 3-4, 10, 14, 16

R: In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

² Before the mountains were begotten and the earth and the world were brought forth, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (R) ³ You turn man back to dust, saying, “Return, O children of men.” ⁴ For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night. (R) ¹⁰ Seventy is the sum of our years, or eighty, if we are strong, and most of them are fruitless toil, for they pass quickly and we drift away. (R) ¹⁴ Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. ¹⁶ Let your work be seen by your servants and your glory by their children. (R)  

Gospel | Mark 12:13-17

Taxes, taxes, taxes—something we rarely enjoy discussing. Yet, how can we expect to benefit from the services our government provides if we do not contribute to their cost? Let us pay our fair share and do our part in building a better society. This is the price of a truly free and compassionate community.

Gospel Acclamation

May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to his call. 

¹³ Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to ensnare him in his speech. ¹⁴ 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?” ¹⁵ Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.” ¹⁶ They brought one to him and he said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They replied to him, “Caesar’s.” ¹⁷ 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.

Read the Bible in one year! Read  2 SAMUEL 17 - 20 today.

The short passage from Mark is chockfull of details. Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus for a sinister purpose. In today’s contemporary Taglish, that purpose was not “legit.” They were sent with a question, but that was all a trap: “to ensnare Him in His speech.”

The elaborate trap was carefully laid. It started with some sweet talk, followed by more classic saccharine pronouncements: “We know You are a truthful man and that You are not concerned with anyone’s opinion.” Wait, there’s more! “You do not regard status but teach in accordance with the truth!” The clincher was the ultimate trap. “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” 

The Lord was plunged in between a rock and a hard place. Choosing between one and the other spelled danger. The hypocritical Pharisees and Herodians, who acted like they were friends for a day when they found a common cause against a common enemy, were all ears. Mobile phone cams and mics at the ready, they were sure they would get a scoop of a lifetime and smoking gun evidence. A “yes” or a “no” answer would be music to the ears of these early “Maritesses” (gossipmongers) who would then possess the evidence to prove Him either a heretic or a rebel.

The Lord turned the table against the biased budding “journalists” at that time. Asking for a coin and showing them the obvious, His answer was a resounding “both-and.” “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”

The “both-and” reality of our existence as humans with one foot in heaven and one foot on earth means it is not just legit but necessary for us to be both good Christians and upright citizens. The “auctor” (author) of “auctoritas” (authority), both earthly and heavenly, is none other than God. 

Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB 

reflection question

How do you reconcile your being a good Christian with your duties as a citizen? 

Help me, Lord, to fulfill my duties as a good citizen of my country, in the same way that I am trying to be a good Christian. Amen.

Today, I pray for: _________________________________________