2 Peter 3:12-15a, 17-18
... beloved, since you await these things, be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace. ...17 Therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned, be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled and to fall from your own stability. 18 But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ...
Learning of this story about an atheist who fasts for the destruction of the world should make us realize that we should not take things sitting down. The enemy does not rest until it snatches away our inheritance. We should keep our banners raised on high and never lose heart or be discouraged as the battle rages on we can be assured that we have a God whom we can always rely on and take refuge. We’ve got to be firm in our beliefs but things will always be easier said than done. Spiritual integrity is hard work but it surely is worth all of it. Today's psalm tells us how short our life here on earth can be compared to a life of eternity with God our Creator, refuge and strength. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 90:2, 3-4, 10, 14 and 16
R: In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
...Seventy is the sum of our years, or eighty, if we are strong, and most of them are fruitless toil, for they pass quickly and we drift away...14 Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. 16 Let your work be seen by your servants and your glory by their children...
In our lifetime there are certain things in this physical world that we have to attend to and still be in sync with. We've got to maintain this balance in us and not be tipping over too much on any side of the scale. As Jesus tells us in today's gospel that if we strive to be spiritually pleasing before the eyes of God we ought to parallel these things with how we live our lives in this physical world, too. We live in a world where there are people who are just out to trap and catch our every move. There is nothing we can do about them but there is definitely something we can do about ourselves. We can follow Jesus' example who did not leave out a single thing undone but fulfilled what is right and expected of Him in the eyes of God and man. Though, the Lord our God is meek, kind and merciful, He, too showed us how to be discreet in answering to the challenges of this world. In a way God is telling us to be responsible in matters of this world and have a balance between our spiritual and temporal life. This may be very difficult at times but nothing is too difficult if we do everything in the light of giving glory to God. Amen. Hallelujah!
Mark 12:13-17
13 Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to ensnare him in his speech. 14 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?” 15 Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.” 16 They brought one to him and he said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They replied to him, “Caesar’s.” 17 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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