Artful Speech!

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

2 Pet 3: 12-15a, 17-18; Mk 12: 13-17

Today’s Gospel highlights Jesus’ use of speech to enlighten and educate his listeners.

It is interesting to note that the Pharisees and Herodians joined hands to trap Jesus. Historically, the Pharisees opposed the Roman occupation and resented paying taxes to Rome. On the contrary, the Herodians supported Herod, a vassal king of Rome. In essence, they also supported Rome through their allegiance to Herod. 

Now the enemies of Jesus come together to abolish him. Their flattery hides a dishonest scheme to ensnare him. But, knowing their intention, Jesus answers accordingly.

They pose a question about taxation so that Jesus’ answer, either yes or no, would get him into trouble. If Jesus said ‘yes,’ he would risk offending people’s sentiments and would be branded the traitor of Israel. If he said ‘no,’ he would be accused of sedition. 

But, in his answer, Jesus wants them to examine ‘what belongs to whom.’ He clarifies that what belongs to Caesar cannot be offered to God and what belongs to God cannot be retained for Caesar. Jesus insists on discernment in action, which also can be extended to life.

Here, we must note the difference between the use of speech between Jesus and his enemies. When Jesus’ enemies want to trap him in speech with his ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ Jesus transcends their expectations and not only answers the question but also evades their trap. 

Jesus’ brilliance implies that he will have no part in their trickery. Largely, Jesus’ enemies, the religious leaders, spoke to mislead people and trap Jesus. But Jesus taught people in order to enlighten and educate his audience. Not resorting to artful speech, Jesus lets his smartness and integrity answer their question.

If words can guide and heal, why should we use them to manipulate and misrepresent?

Let us pray that we may mould and shape lives with our words just as Jesus, God’s Word, did.

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar