Tuesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 2 Peter 3:12-15a, 17-18: Be vigilant and grow in grace, awaiting God’s promised new heavens and earth.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 90: God is our eternal shelter, from everlasting to everlasting. Our days are short, but His love fills us with joy and gladness.
• Gospel – Mark 12:13-17: Pharisees and Herodians tried to trap Jesus with a question about taxes. Jesus replied to give Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. They were amazed.

Lectionary Reference: 354

Upcoming dates: June 2, 2026, June 6, 2028, June 1, 2032

Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.

Mark 12:17

On Tuesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we reflect on themes of vigilance, grace, and loyalty to God. The readings guide us to stay alert for God’s promises and to prioritize our duties to God and others.

• Awaiting God’s Promises: We are called to look forward to God’s promised new heavens and earth. This encourages us to stay vigilant and hopeful.
• Growth in Grace: We should continue to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus. This growth helps us live according to God’s will.
• Worldly and Spiritual Duties: Jesus teaches us to give Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. This means we must fulfill our earthly responsibilities and our duties to God.
• Avoiding Traps and Deception: The Pharisees and Herodians tried to trap Jesus with tricky questions. We learn to be wise and discerning in our actions and words.
• Amazement at Jesus’ Wisdom: People were amazed by Jesus’ wise answer about taxes. This shows the wisdom of Jesus and encourages us to seek His guidance.

Reflecting on these themes helps us live a balanced life, giving proper attention to our spiritual growth and our responsibilities. It encourages us to stay alert and wise in our daily lives.

In the first reading from 2 Peter 3:12-15a, 17-18, we are encouraged to stay vigilant. We should look forward to God’s promised new heavens and new earth. This promise gives us hope and helps us stay focused on living a good life.

We are also told to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus. This means learning more about Jesus and trying to live like Him. Growing in grace helps us be better people and stay close to God.

Being vigilant and growing in grace are important. They help us prepare for God’s promises and stay strong in our faith. We need to stay alert and keep learning about Jesus every day.

Jesus’ Teaching on Duties

In the Gospel reading from Mark 12:13-17, the Pharisees and Herodians tried to trap Jesus with a tricky question about taxes. They wanted to see if Jesus would say something wrong. But Jesus gave a wise answer.

Jesus said to give Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. This means we should fulfill our duties to both the government and to God. We need to balance our responsibilities in this world and our duties to God.

Jesus’ answer amazed the people. It showed His wisdom and understanding. We can learn from Jesus to be wise and careful with our words and actions.

Living Wisely

Tuesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us to stay vigilant and grow in grace. It teaches us to balance our earthly and spiritual duties. It shows us the wisdom of Jesus.

By reflecting on these readings, we can learn to live a better life. We can focus on our faith and responsibilities. We can also seek wisdom from Jesus in our daily lives.

Let us take these lessons for Tuesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 to heart. Let us be vigilant, grow in grace, and fulfill our duties. Let us follow the wisdom of Jesus.

Prayer

Dear Lord, help us to stay vigilant and grow in grace. Guide us to fulfill our duties to others and to You. Give us wisdom in our words and actions. Amen.

Word on Fire: The Intersection of Religion and Politics

In his reflection for the Tuesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron discusses Jesus’ teaching, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” He explains that God is the foundation for all aspects of life, including politics. Thomas Aquinas taught that all law originates from the eternal law, which is the mind of God. This eternal law is reflected in natural law, guiding human actions. Therefore, politics is deeply connected to spirituality, and our leaders should act in harmony with moral and spiritual values.

What date is Tuesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Tuesday June 2, 2026.

Cycle 1 is used in odd numbered years and Cycle 2 is used in even numbered years. The gospel is the same for both years. For odd numbered years see Tuesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Tuesday June 2, 2026 are:
First Reading  – 2 Peter 3:12-15a, 17-18: Awaiting God’s Promised Day
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 90: God, Our Eternal Refuge
Gospel – Mark 12:13-17: Render Unto Caesar

What does it mean to be vigilant in 2 Peter 3:12-15a, 17-18?

Being vigilant means staying alert and watchful. We should look forward to God’s promises and live in a way that prepares us for His new heavens and new earth.

How can we grow in grace according to the first reading for Tuesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

We can grow in grace by learning more about Jesus and trying to live like Him. This means reading the Bible, praying, and doing good things.

What does it mean to stay vigilant and grow in grace on Tuesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

It means being alert for God’s promises and trying to become better people by learning about Jesus and following His teachings.

What are the new heavens and new earth mentioned in the first reading?

The new heavens and new earth are God’s promised future world where everything is perfect and good. We should look forward to this and live in a way that prepares us for it.

What did Jesus mean by “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” in Mark 12:13-17?

Jesus meant that we should fulfill our duties to the government, like paying taxes, and also fulfill our duties to God, like praying and being kind to others.

Why were the Pharisees and Herodians trying to trap Jesus with a question about taxes?

They wanted to see if Jesus would say something wrong that could get Him in trouble. They hoped to find a reason to accuse Him.

How can we apply Jesus’ teaching on duties in our daily lives?

A: We can make sure to balance our responsibilities. We should follow the laws and do our work well, but also make time for prayer and helping others.

Why is it important to be amazed by Jesus’ wisdom?

Being amazed by Jesus’ wisdom helps us respect and trust Him more. It shows us that Jesus understands all things and can guide us in our lives.

How can we learn from Jesus’ wise answers?

We can learn to be careful and thoughtful with our words. We can also seek guidance from Jesus when we face difficult questions or situations.

How does Tuesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 help us in our faith?

It helps us stay focused on God’s promises and our responsibilities. It teaches us to balance our duties and seek wisdom from Jesus.