St. Justin, martyr 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Tobit 2:9-14

 That same night,

After I had buried the body, I returned home. I washed my­self and went out into the courtyard to sleep against the wall; my face was uncovered because of the heat. I did not see that there were sparrows on the wall of the courtyard and, as my eyes were open, the hot droppings from the sparrows fell into my eyes and formed a white film on my eyes.

I went to find doctors to attend to me for medical treatment but the more ointments they smeared on my eyes, the more blind I became because of the film. Finally I became totally blind. I suffered from blindness for four years. All my brothers were burdened because of me. Ahi­kar kept me for two years before he departed for Elymiade.

 My wife Anna worked hard at a woman’s task, weaving.  On the seventh day of the month of March she cut the cloth and delivered it to her employers. They paid her wages and gave her, over and above, a young goat for food. When she returned home the kid began to cry. I said to her, “Where does the little kid come from? Did you steal it? Return it to its owners for we are not allowed to eat anything that is stolen.”

 But she said, “It is a gift which has been given to me in addition to my wa­ges.” “I don’t believe it. I tell you to return it to its owners.” I was ashamed of her. She replied, “What about your own almsgiving and your good deeds? I have to put up with all this from you.”

 

Ps 112:1-2, 7-8, 9

The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊ 

Mark 12:13-17

 They sent to Jesus some Pharisees with members of Herod’s party, with the purpose of trapping him in his own words.   They came and said to Jesus, “Master, we know that you are true; you are not influenced by any­one, and your answers do not vary according to who is listening to you but you truly teach God’s way. Tell us, is it against the Law to pay taxes to Caesar? Should we pay them or not?”

 But Jesus saw through their trick and answered, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a silver coin and let me see it.”  They brought him one and Jesus asked, “Whose head is this, and whose name?” They answered, “Cae­sar’s.”   Then Jesus said, “Return to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they were greatly astonished.

    

Gospel Reflection：

It is bad enough knowing that you have incurred the ire of powerful enemies, but for them to plan your downfall and execute the plan in tandem is enough to make you quake in fright. Not so Jesus. He meets His enemy head on and uses his head to outwit them.

Even if the enemies come prepared and have mapped out their line of attack, Jesus still displays calmness and presence of mind. If one can master one's fears, half the battle is already won. And so when the enemies spring their trap, Jesus side steps it neatly. He points to a truth that could help us navigate the world.

The civil sphere and the religious sphere have basic autonomy. They need not clash with one another. Whatever is good in society is a reflection of the good order God wants to learn to have.