Integrate Life and Faith – Reflection on Mark 12:13-17
Like 2000 years ago, two sides of the same coin remain the same. The first side includes being worldly, societal pressures, and government. The other side with and for God consists of using the gifts of time, talent, and treasures. The first side consists primarily of obligations. God’s side is entirely based on free will. Since the dilemma was presented to Jesus, why does the same constant tension with this apparent struggle persist with us? We can avoid treating two sides of the coin as unique and separate as we are the same coin. An example of how to do so is to integrate life and faith to give God and our neighbor the benefits of our prayer. Despite the worldly attributes such as selfishness that surround us, we can treat everyone with respect, kindness, and compassion.
The Pharisees Question Jesus by James Tissot painting at full resolution.
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 12:13-17 – Scripture*
The Question about Paying Taxes
13 Then they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. 14 And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? 15 Should we pay them, or should we not?” But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it.” 16 And they brought one. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” 17 Jesus said to them, “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Mark 12:13-17 Reflection – Integrate Life and Faith.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 12 passage.
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