And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Cæsar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Cæsar’s. And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.
Gospel of the Day
Mc 12, 13-17
Reflection
Today we celebrate the martyrs of Lyon, who gave their lives for Christ. The Gospel shows us Jesus facing a trap about paying taxes to Caesar. He does not evade the question but goes to the root: the coin bears the image of the emperor, but the human being bears the image of God. Giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar is recognizing our civil obligations, but giving to God what belongs to God is surrendering our heart. The martyrs understood this distinction well: they obeyed human authorities as long as they did not contradict God, and when the moment came, they gave their lives for Him. In our daily lives, we face similar decisions: whom do we serve first? Our work, family, and social duties are important, but they must never take God's place. The coin of our life bears the image of God, and He asks us to give back to Him all that we are. May the courage of the martyrs inspire us to live without fear, giving God the first place in everything.
Reflection prepared for EncuentraIglesias.
🙏 Prayer
Lord Jesus, grant us the wisdom to distinguish what belongs to You, and the courage to give it to You without reserve. May we, like the martyrs of Lyon, know how to put Your love above all else. Amen.