REFLECTIONS TODAY
Gospel • Mark 12:13-17
Mark narrates the strategy of the Jewish authorities who send some Pharisees and Herodians to ensnare Jesus in his speech. They have become so insecure of the presence of Jesus who is gaining more followers. They question Jesus, “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” (v 14). Their introductory statement of praise, that Jesus is a truthful man and is not concerned with anyone’s opinion, is nothing but hypocrisy. Knowing this, Jesus puts them in a corner by saying, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God” (v 17)—which they are far from practicing. Let us never give in to the pressures of worldly powers and fall into the trap of false authority as manifested by some of the Jewish leaders. Let us develop inner authority in prayer and contemplation and in our daily relationship with the Lord, so that wherever we are, whoever we are with, we exercise authenticity in our words and actions. Jesus exemplifies this as he consistently exercises his authority in God’s name. He does not give in to human pressures even at the expense of his life. *Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]); Website: [http://www.stpauls.ph](http://www.stpauls.ph).*