TOBIT 2:9-14; PSALM 112; MARK 12:13-17
In the Gospel, Jesus was asked about paying tax to Caesar. He told them that they should pay money to Caesar because his head is on the coin, but they must give to God what belongs to God. This reminds us of our religious and social obligations. A good Christian is also a good citizen. Obey God and respect the laws of the State. However, when the laws of the State are at variance with basic Christian teachings. We must learn to stand by our convictions. Often times, we easily give up when our faith is challenged; we appear faithless moments we should stand for our faith and this questions our confidence in Christ Jesus. The Church gives us the example of St. Justin the Martyr today. He was particularly celebrated for the two Apologies which he was courageous enough to address in succession to the persecuting emperors Antoninus and Marcus Aurelius. He courageously stood against the might of the emperors; defended the faith and died for it. He was beheaded in Rome in 165.
LET US PRAY
O God, who through the folly of the Cross wondrously taught Saint Justin the Martyr the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ, grant us, through his intercession, that, having rejected deception and error, we may become steadfast in the faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
