First Reading (Deut 10:12–22) — “What does the Lord ask of you? Fear Him, walk in His ways, love Him, and serve Him with all your heart.”
Responsorial Psalm (Ps 147:12–13) — “Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.”
Gospel (Matt 17:22–27) — “Jesus paid His taxes, too.”
Yesterday was a gift: Mass at St. Pio, a joyful drive, a workout, and a peaceful riverside walk. As this new week begins, may it be fruitful and grace-filled.
Moses calls Israel to “circumcise your hearts”, to remove sin’s hardened layer so the heart can be tender toward God. Circumcision was once a physical sign of covenant, but now God seeks a spiritual one: hearts free of anger, pride, lust, envy, greed, stubbornness, and hate.
The heart is the center of all actions, a good heart produces good works; a bad heart brings forth evil. At every Mass, we hear, “Lift up your hearts.” This is an invitation to raise hearts cleansed from guilt and ready for transformation.
We must ask: Is my heart refusing to forgive? Clinging to hate? Resisting reconciliation? Scripture pleads, “Today, if you hear His voice, harden not your hearts” (Ps 95:7–8).
Moses also says, “Befriend the foreigner, for you were once foreigners” (Deut 10:19). We are sojourners here, citizens of heaven (Phil 3:20).
In the Gospel, Jesus foretells His death, then pays the temple tax “so that we may not cause offense” (Matt 17:27), even providing the coin through a miracle. He reminds us to live rightly in this world while keeping our hearts fixed on eternity.
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt 6:21). Is my treasure in earthly comfort or in heaven’s reward?
Prayer of the Day: Heavenly Father, soften our hearts. Remove pride, hate, and unforgiveness. Help us live as sojourners—obedient, humble, and anchored in You. May we store up treasure in heaven and walk in Your love. Amen.
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