Liturgical Day: Weekday; Saints Marcellinus and Peter
Readings: 2 Peter 3:12-15a, 17-18; Psalm 90:2-4, 10, 14, 16; Mark 12:13-17
Source: USCCB Daily Readings
Jesus reminds us that our deepest identity belongs to God. Today’s readings invite us to examine our loyalties, live in holiness and peace, and offer our whole lives back to the One whose image we bear.
The Word
First Reading: 2 Peter 3:12-15a, 17-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 90:2-4, 10, 14, 16
Gospel: Mark 12:13-17
Peter calls believers to grow in grace as they await the Lord with peace. Psalm 90 turns our hearts toward God’s eternal care. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that what bears God’s image must be given back to God.
Reflection
Jesus is asked a question meant to trap him, but he answers by lifting the conversation to a higher level. The coin may bear Caesar’s image, but the human heart bears the image of God. What belongs to God is not a small portion of life; it is the whole person.
Peter calls believers to wait for the Lord with holiness and peace. That kind of waiting is active. It asks us to examine our loyalties, our priorities, and the quiet places where we may give too much power to fear, status, money, or approval.
Today, the Lord invites us to live with undivided belonging. We can fulfill ordinary responsibilities while remembering that our deepest identity is not stamped by the world, but formed by God.
Call to Action
Before making one decision today, pause and ask: “Does this help me give God what belongs to God?”
Prayer
Father, remind me that I belong to you. Shape my choices so my life reflects your image with peace and faithfulness. Amen.
