Daily Readings for June 5, 2018

1st READING

Peter warns us to guard against sin, temptation, and the lures of the devil. Caught unaware by his insidious ways, the devil can divide and conquer us. Parliaments and congresses around the world pass legislation for euthanasia and same-sex marriage. This is a sign that we need to be more vigilant in thwarting the devil’s tactics. Let us pray for the grace to listen to the voice of God – the voice of life.

2 Peter 3:12-15, 17-18

12 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. 13 But according to his promise we await new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you await these things, be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace. 15 And consider the patience of our Lord as salvation. 17 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. 18 But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

P S A L M 

Psalm 90:2, 3-4, 10, 14, 16

R: In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

2 Before the mountains were begotten and the earth and the world were brought forth, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (R) 3 You turn man back to dust, saying, “Return, O children of men.” 4 For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night. (R) 10 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) 14 Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. 16 Let your work be seen by your servants and your glory by their children. (R)

GOSPEL 

Jesus reminds us in today’s Gospel that we are citizens of both heaven and earth. There will be times when we need to attend to worldly matters. We must remember, however, our citizenship in heaven. Let us be good Filipinos and pay our taxes, abide by the law, and serve our country, keeping in mind that heaven is our ultimate goal.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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. 

Mark 12:13-17

13 Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to ensnare him in his speech. 14 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?” 15 Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.” 16 They brought one to him and he said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They replied to him, “Caesar’s.” 17 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.