Monday, June 03, 2013
TUESDAY 9TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME – YR I
TUESDAY 9TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME – YR I
Tb 2:9-14 / Ps 112: 1-2. 7-8. 9 / Mk 12:13-17
Tobit 2:9-14
That same night, after I had buried the body, I returned home. I washed myself and went out into the courtyard to sleep against the wall; my face was uncovered because of the heat. I did not see that there were sparrows on the wall of the courtyard and, as my eyes were open, the hot droppings from the sparrows fell into my eyes and formed a white film on my eyes. I went to find doctors to attend to me for medical treatment but the more ointments they smeared on my eyes, the more blind I became because of the film. Finally I became totally blind. I suffered from blindness for four years. All my brothers were burdened because of me. Ahikar kept me for two years before he departed for Elymiade. My wife Anna worked hard at a woman's task, weaving. On the seventh day of the month of March she cut the cloth and delivered it to her employers. They paid her wages and gave her, over and above, a young goat for food. When she returned home the kid began to cry. I said to her, "Where does the little kid come from? Did you steal it? Return it to its owners for we are not allowed to eat anything that is stolen." But she said, "It is a gift which has been given to me in addition to my wages." "I don't believe it. I tell you to return it to its owners." I was ashamed of her. She replied, "What about your own almsgiving and your good deeds? I have to put up with all this from you."
Mark 12:13-17
They sent to Jesus some Pharisees with members of Herod's party, with the purpose of trapping him by his own words. They came and said to Jesus, "Master, we know that you are truthful; you are not influenced by anyone, and your answers do not vary according to who is listening to you, but you truly teach God's way. Tell us, is it against the Law to pay taxes to Caesar? Should we pay them or not?" But Jesus saw through their trick and answered, "Why are you testing me? Bring me a silver coin and let me see it." They brought him one and Jesus asked, "Whose image is this, and whose name?" They answered, "Caesar's." Then Jesus said, "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." And they were greatly astonished.
REFLECTION
Appearing desirous to know their duty, Christ's enemies were ensnaring him into a dispute on politics. First and foremost, Jesus makes it very clear that there should not be a division between obeying God and government. Government makes our economy possible and therefore should rightfully charge for its services and it has the authority to do so. Therefore, as law-abiding citizens, we should pay what rightfully belongs to the government in the form of taxes. But Jesus is not so concerned about where the money goes as where our hearts are, or should be, in the giving. He tells us to be as diligent in giving to God what belongs to God. And what belongs to God? Our lives, our hearts, our spiritual allegiance, our possessions, our ambitions. He tells us to commit our lives to true discipleship, to use our possessions to further the interests of God's Kingdom. That should be our life's purpose, our reason for living, our goal – the path to His Kingdom.
In today's reading, God puts Tobias to the test as He did with Job, by allowing blindness to befall upon him despite his defying the King and following God's command to bury his slain comrades. But like Job, Tobias was steadfast in his faith and continued to carry out God's wishes, thanking Him for the rest of his life. We all have our trials and must bear them for love and faithfulness to God. In this way, we glorify Him.
PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn.
… for the speedy recovery and healing of
- Elizabeth Lim
- Pilar David, Ditas dela Paz, Toots Monfort, Virginia Hernandez, Mon Torres, and Fleur Torres
- NIck Lucena
- Auring Malabayabas
… for the personal intentions of
- Glenn Dale B. Manzon & Julie Manzon
- Beny Chua
- Marella Quicho
… for the eternal repose of the souls of
- Lilia Yang
- Serafina Falcon
- Amparo Suntay
Eternal rest grant unto them and may perpetual light shine upon them. May they and all the dearly departed rest in peace.
… for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.
- Birthday: Caroline Dy Tan-Chu
- Birthday: Jerry Lim Uy
- Birthday: Gloria Co
- Birthday: Kimberly Maureen Uy
- Wedding Anniversary: Michael & Ceylilona Tong
… for families who are in need of healing
… for world peace and reconciliation.
Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.
Have a good day!
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