1Reflection for June 1 Tuesday Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr: Mark 12:13-17

Gospel: 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.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

What is your obligation to Jesus? Your obligation is to follow His teachings. And as stated by Jesus in the gospel paying the rightful tax to the government is one of them. We disobey Jesus when we don’t pay the taxes due to the government. 

The question of paying the census tax had a deeper meaning for it was created to trap Jesus. However, Jesus was able to wiggle out of this complicated situation. This is the reason why at the end of the gospel the emissaries of Jesus’ opponents were utterly amazed at Him (Mark 12:17). 

As shown in our gospel, Jesus always makes a way out when there seems to be no way. Thus, He will always make things possible for us as well. Because He is always there to help us solve our problems no matter how complicated it may seem. 

Where are you in your life right now? Are you in a predicament where you think that you’re about to surrender to your problems? Call on Jesus and pray to Him. He is there just a prayer away, ever ready to help you extricate yourself out of your problem. – Marino J. Dasmarinas