In the first reading, Saint Peter urges us to await “new heavens and a new earth” by striving to be found by God in peace, without spot or blemish. Christian hope is not escape from the world, but transformation within it: growing daily in grace and holiness. In the Gospel, Jesus is confronted with a trap about paying taxes to Caesar. His response reveals a deeper truth. While we fulfill our earthly responsibilities, our ultimate allegiance belongs to God. We bear his image, and therefore our lives, our hearts, and our very selves must be given back to him. This balance requires wisdom and integrity. We are called to live faithfully in the world without being consumed by it, to engage society while remaining rooted in God. Saint John Paul II reminds us, “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ.” Let us grow in grace, discerning rightly what belongs to the world and what belongs to God, offering him not just a portion, but our whole lives.

PRAYER: Abba Father, in every age, you have been our refuge. Amen.