June 2, 2020

The Second Letter of Saint Peter     3: 12-15, 17-18

3:12waiting for, and hurrying toward, the advent of the day of the Lord, by which the burning heavens shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt from the heat of the fire.
3:13Yet truly, in accord with his promises, we are looking forward to the new heavens and the new earth, in which justice lives.
3:14Therefore, most beloved, while awaiting these things, be diligent, so that you may be found to be immaculate and unassailable before him, in peace.
3:15And let the longsuffering of our Lord be considered salvation, as also our most beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,
3:17But since you, brothers, know these things beforehand, be cautious, lest by being drawn into the error of the foolish, you may fall away from your own steadfastness.
3:18Yet truly, increase in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory, both now and in the day of eternity. Amen.

The Holy Gospel According to Mark     12: 13-17

12:13And they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to him, so that they might trap him with words.
12:14And these, arriving, said to him: “Teacher, we know that you are truthful and that you do not favor anyone; for you do not consider the appearance of men, but you teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to give the tribute to Caesar, or should we not give it?”
12:15And knowing their skill in deception, he said to them: “Why do you test me? Bring me a denarius, so that I may see it.”
12:16And they brought it to him. And he said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.”
12:17So in response, Jesus said to them, “Then render to Caesar, the things that are of Caesar; and to God, the things that are of God.” And they wondered over him.