School of the Word

Jesus, the Master Teacher 1/4: Jesus teaches what justice is

by Sr. Leticia

Passages:

“Next, they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to catch him out in what he said. These came and said to him, 'Master, we know that you are an honest man, that you are not afraid of anyone because human rank means nothing to you, and that you teach the way of God in all honesty. Is it permissible to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or not?'

Recognising their hypocrisy, he said to them, 'Why are you putting me to the test? Hand me a denarius, and let me see it.' They handed him one, and he said to them, 'Whose portrait is this? Whose title?' They said to him, 'Caesar's.' Jesus said to them, 'Pay Caesar what belongs to Caesar -- and God what belongs to God.' And they were amazed at him.” Mark 12:12-17

“Justice is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give one's due to God and neighbour.” CCC1807

”My brothers and sisters, do not let class distinction enter into your faith in Jesus Christ, our glorified Lord.
Now suppose a man comes into your synagogue, well-dressed and with a gold ring on, and at the same time, a poor man comes in in shabby clothes, and you take notice of the well-dressed man, and say, 'Come this way to the best seats'; then you tell the poor man, 'Stand over there' or 'You can sit on the floor by my foot-rest.’

Have you not used a corrupt standard in making this distinction among yourselves?”
James 2:1-4

During the time of silent prayer:
Read the passage slowly. Allow a word/phrase to arise from the rest.
Let God speak to you through the passage.
Listen to Him and enter a dialogue with Him.
Find rest in God’s Word.

Reflections:

What is Jesus the Master inviting me to learn from his example?

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