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Gospel Reading for June 02, 2026 – Mark 12: 13-17
DICHOTOMIZED LIFE
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.
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They wanted to trap Jesus in a “no-win” situation. But how could they possibly outwit the Son of God? Impossible!
When we separate our spiritual life from our civic responsibilities, we end up living a DICHOTOMIZED LIFE—a divided existence that leads to confusion, inconsistency, and contradiction. Being created in the image and likeness of God means being a whole person, not a fragmented one. Therefore, everything we do should reflect an integrated life, where faith permeates every aspect of our being.
Part of worshipping God is being a responsible citizen in the place where he has planted us, doing our part to make our communities and our world more just, harmonious, and peaceful. Our faith is not meant to be confined to prayer and worship alone; it must also be evident in the way we fulfill our duties toward others and contribute to the common good.
Lord God, it is your image that is imprinted upon us. May the lives we offer back to you truly belong to you, and may everything we do reflect your presence within us. Amen.
