SAINT NORBERT, BISHOP (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

Why are you testing me? 

Many people approached Jesus in the Gospels. They came from all walks of life: rich and poor, upper class and working class, clean and unclean. They also came for many different reasons. Some came for his teaching, some for his mercy, and more than a few out of desperation to be healed.

The Pharisees and Herodians in today’s Gospel came to Jesus for a different reason: they wanted to test him. They began by flattering him, calling him a “truthful man” who wasn’t concerned with what people thought of him (Mark 12:14). Then they asked a question meant to ensnare him: “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” (12:14). Jesus’s response cut through their hypocrisy and went to the heart of the matter: they needed to pay to God “what belongs to God” (12:17).

We don’t know exactly why these men had so much trouble accepting Jesus. Perhaps they felt he was undercutting their authority with the people. Perhaps they were worried about losing status or respect. Whatever the reason, they approached Jesus with ulterior motives.

All of this raises the question: how do you approach Jesus? Do you come to him with honesty and humility? Or, like these men, is your heart more guarded or suspicious toward him? Maybe you are having trouble accepting a Church teaching. Maybe you are struggling with giving up a bad habit or sin. Or maybe you have grown weary from the sufferings of life and doubt his goodness. In situations like these, it’s easy to build up protective defenses instead of freely sharing all that you have stored up in your heart.

But there’s no need to hide anything from Jesus. He won’t condemn you; instead, he will give you all the grace you need to deal with the struggles you are facing.

What the Pharisees said was true: Jesus does not regard status; he cares about the truth. Thank goodness for that! You can come to him in complete honesty, without any pretenses. After all, our pretenses only deceive ourselves, not God. So give him an open, trusting, truthful heart. It’s what he longs for, and it’s what will help you grow closer to him.

“Jesus, I want to share with you all that is on my heart today.”

Tobit 2:9-14
Psalm 112:1-2, 7-9
Mark 12:13-17