MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 2 JUNE
June 2, 2026
NOVENA IN HONOR OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
June 3, 2026
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
2 JUNE, 2026
Mark 12:13-17
Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent
to Jesus to ensnare him in his speech.
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?”
Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them,
“Why are you testing me?
Bring me a denarius to look at.”
They brought one to him and he said to them,
“Whose image and inscription is this?”
They replied to him, “Caesar’s.”
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.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In Mark 12:13–17, the religious leaders try to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Instead of falling into their trap, Jesus responds with wisdom: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Through this, Jesus reminds us that while we have responsibilities in the world, our deepest belonging is to God.
The coin carried Caesar’s image, but we carry God’s image within us. Our work, decisions, relationships, and daily choices should reflect that truth. Jesus calls us to live honestly as faithful citizens of society while keeping our hearts fully devoted to God. True discipleship means giving not only our possessions or duties, but our whole selves to the One whose image we bear.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You teach us to live with wisdom, integrity, and faithfulness. Help us to fulfill our responsibilities in this world while never forgetting that we belong completely to You. Shape our hearts to reflect Your image in all we do. Give us courage to choose what is right, wisdom in difficult situations, and grace to offer our lives fully into Your hands. Amen
