Belongs to Caesar?

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For 4 June 2024, Peter Martyr on Tuesday of the 9th Week of Ordinary Time, based on 2 Peter 3:11-15,17-18, Mark 12:13-17

2 Peter 3:11-15,17-18

Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.

Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given to him, You therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned, beware that you are not carried away with the error of the lawless and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Mark 12:13-17

The Question about Paying Taxes

Then they sent to him 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.


Scripture passage from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright 1989, 1993, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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About Martin Badenhorst, O.P.

Martin is a member of the South African Vice-Province and is a former lecturer in Hebrew Scriptures, World Religions, and Systematics at St. Joseph Theological Institute in Cedara, KwaZulu/Natal, South Africa. He has been pastor of Welkom and Bronville, prior of the formation priory, Emaphethelweni, and student master. He is currently assigned in Springs on the East Rand in the Gauteng province, serving as superior of the community and Parish Priest. He is also part-time lecturer in Scripture at St. Augustine College, Victory Park, Johannesburg.