The readings meet you in the ordinary place where faith is practiced. Stay with what Jesus says or does here, and let it ask for one honest response.
Today’s readings
First Reading
Tobit 2:9-14
The same night I returned from burying him, and slept by the wall of my courtyard, being polluted; and my face was uncovered. I didn't know that there were sparrows in the wall. My eyes were open and the sparrows dropped warm dung into my eyes, and white films came over my eyes. I went to the physicians, and they didn't help me; but Achiacharus nourished me, until I went into Elymais. My wife Anna wove cloth in the women's chambers, and sent the work back to the owners. They on their part paid her wages, and also gave her a kid. But when it came to my house, it began to cry, and I said to her, "Where did this kid come from? Is it stolen? Give it back to the owners; for it is not lawful to eat anything that is stolen." But she said, "It has been given to me for a gift more than the wages." I didn't believe her, and I asked her to return it to the owners; and I was ashamed of her. But she answered and said to me, "Where are your alms and your righteous deeds? Behold, you and all your works are known."
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 112:1-2, 7-8, 9
Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who delights greatly in his commandments. His offspring will be mighty in the land. The generation of the upright will be blessed. He will not be afraid of evil news. His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is established. He will not be afraid in the end when he sees his adversaries. He has dispersed, he has given to the poor. His righteousness endures forever. His horn will be exalted with honor.
Gospel
Mark 12:13-17
They sent some of the Pharisees and the Herodians to him, that they might trap him with words. When they had come, they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you are honest, and don't defer to anyone; for you aren't partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give?" But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why do you test me? Bring me a denarius, that I may see it." They brought it. He said to them, "Whose is this image and inscription?" They said to him, "Caesar's." Jesus answered them, "Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." They marveled greatly at him.
A question for your journal
Where might God be asking for one honest, unhurried response?
Scripture text: World English Bible Catholic Edition, public domain. Reading citations are prepared for Come Aside from MIT-licensed citation metadata.
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