St Justin | Tuesday 1 June 2021

Today is Tuesday the 1 June, the feast of St Justin, in the Ninth Week of Ordinary Time.  

One Hope Project sing, ‘In Your Truth’.  

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark.

 Mark 12:13-17

Then they sent to Jesus some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. 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? 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.” And they brought one. Then he said to them, "Whose head is this, and whose title?" They answered, "The emperor’s." 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.    

Clearly, Jesus isn’t easily fooled by those crafty Pharisees and Herodians!  He knows how people can conceal an insult by wrapping it in false flattery.  “Teacher, we know that you are sincere … and teach the way of God” …  Have you ever experienced this yourself?  

Perhaps you have been trapped by the flattery of others – made to say things you didn’t really want to say, or do things you didn’t really want to do.  Are you wise to this kind of tactic, clear about your beliefs, and what you hold dear?   Or are you “all over the place”, swaying with every passing breeze - an easy prey to those who might try to exploit you?  

As you listen again to the passage, notice how Jesus deals with this flattery and trickery and these attempts to get one over on him – notice his attitude to all of this.  

Why not speak to Jesus now about how he handles his critics.  Tell him what you like or admire about his approach.  Ask him to help you be more like him in that particular way.  

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.