03/06/2024
Word Today
Mark 12:13-14
06/04/24
Jesus, who declared I am the Truth is the perfect revelation of honesty in human behavior. We who are followers of Jesus, followers of the truth, are, to be honest and straightforward, not basing our statements on what others like to hear but on truth. The Pharisees are not honest with Jesus, they have a hidden agenda though it is not hidden from Jesus, the passage says that he made his answer, knowing their hypocrisy. Meaning, pretension, duplicity, deception. It is the opposite of honesty and sincerity.
Brothers and sisters, this is a precious lesson. In our hypocrisy, we tend to make a show of respecting the government, represented by Ceasar, not being caught is the only important goal. Brothers and sisters, if we are honest, we do what is right and just, even if no one knows the difference. The Word of God teaches us to pay our proper taxes, not to cheat like hypocrites. The lesson of Jesus, put it this way, pay all their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, toll to whom toll is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due Rom. 13:7.
Brothers and sisters, our supreme obligation, is to God, not to Ceasar. The more should we repay to God what belongs to God. The principle of giving to God puts all our priorities in the right order. We have the responsibility for material things, property, and money, but these will all pass away. Brothers and sisters, passing things are trivial compared to what will last, that is, what belongs to God. Brothers and sisters, when we are committed to the truth and to love in truth, we are at peace.
Mama Mary, may we always give the highest priority to the things of God.
Shalom.