KNOW GOD’S DEMANDS AND DO THEM
>>>Sts Marcellinus and St Peter<<<
Introduction
Second Peter deals with the problem of the delay of the coming of Christ. The old world has to give way to a new heaven and a new earth. But the concept of time does not exist for God, and the patient God gives us time for conversion. A God of many chances – you could say.
Sometimes, the Church is accused of meddling in politics and the affairs of the state. But the Church has to raise a prophetic voice to form consciences regarding the moral aspects of political, social and economic questions, to see to it that the laws of God and the people’s human rights and dignity are respected. A good Christian must be a good citizen and take up his responsibilities regarding the human community.
1 Reading: 2 Peter 3:12-15A, 17-18
Beloved: Wait for and hasten the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved in flames and the elements melted by fire. But according to his promise we await new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you await these things, be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace. And consider the patience of our Lord as salvation. 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. But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
Responsorial Psalm 90:2, 3-4, 10, 14 AND 16
R. (1) In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Before the mountains were begotten
and the earth and the world were brought forth,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God. R.
You turn man back to dust,
saying, “Return, O children of men.”
For a thousand years in your sight
are as yesterday, now that it is past,
or as a watch of the night. R.
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. R.
Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,
that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.
Let your work be seen by your servants
and your glory by their children. R.
Alleluia Ephesians 1:17-18
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
enlighten the eyes of our hearts,
that we may know what is the hope
that belongs to his call.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 12:13-17
Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to ensnare him in his speech. 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?” Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.” They brought one to him and he said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They replied to him, “Caesar’s.” 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.
Commentary
Peter’s letter today exhorts us to grow in the “knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” But the knowledge spoken is not mainly that of the mind, it is an experiential knowledge that is spoken of, as is so often the case when it appears in the Bible. When Mary is told by the angel that she is to become a mother, she is perplexed because she does not know man. It is the knowledge of experience that is meant.
Each of us may pose the questions: How well do I know Jesus Christ? Do I understand grace as a personal extension of Christ in my life? When I hear the scriptures, does my heart grow warm within me, as in the case of the disciples on the road to Emmaus? Is the Eucharist a personal experience of Christ in my life?
Knowledge here is not a question of verbalizing; there is not much to say. An elderly woman who spent long periods of time each day in church, was absorbed in prayer. When asked what she said in prayer, she answered, “I don’t say anything. I look upon him and he upon me. It is quite enough.” It is the language of love.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus’ questioners are utterly amazed. But they remain closed to his invitation. Many people stand in amazement of Christ, admire him at a distance, but refuse the invitation to discipleship. “Give to God what is God’s”: our lives, our gifts, our needs, our misgivings. The knowledge of God leads to a surrender as well as to untold blessings.
Blessing
In this Eucharist, we have given thanks and praise to God not only as his people but also in the name of all humanity. May we fulfill our task of imbuing this world with the values of the Gospel, and may God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Sts Marcellinus and Peter – Pray for Us!