Joseph Osho

  Tuesday of week 9 in Ordinary Time  2 Peter 3:11-15,​17-18  Psalm 89(90):2-4,10,14,16 Mark 12:13-17 S t. Augustine once teaches that because we have a mind and a soul, our higher purpose is to seek to know, love intentionally, and belong to the One in whose image we were created. In today’s Gospel, Jesus is posed a political question meant to trap Him. The heated topic at the time was a census tax paid to the Roman emperor, Caesar. For many Jews, this tax constantly reminded them of their subjugation to Rome. However, the Pharisees were somewhat tolerant of collaboration with Rome and supported paying the tax. In contrast, the Herodians were more nationalistic and opposed paying it. These unlikely allies teamed up to catch Jesus: "Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?" — Mark 12:13–14 If Jesus answers "No," the Herodians could accuse Him of rebellion against Rome. If He answers "Yes," He could be seen as not ...

  Saint Justin, Martyr  2 Peter 1:2-7  Psalm 90(91):1-2,14-16 Mark 12:1-12 Why did Jesus' story about the wicked tenants offend the scribes and Pharisees? This story carried both a prophetic message and a warning. Isaiah had referred to the house of Israel as "the vineyard of the Lord" (Isaiah 5:7). Unfortunately, they neglected to realize that they were merely God’s tenants and stewards. We are not the owners; instead, we are the owned. “None of us lives as his own master... while we live, we are responsible to the Lord” (Romans 14:7-8). “You are not your own. You have been bought at a price!” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We truly belong to God.  Happy New Month