Prepare for Beyond Dualism

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to vigilance and a virtuous life that ironically is most loving in contrast to dualism.

Way Beyond Dualism

The Reading from the Second Letter of Peter is an Exhortation to Preparedness.

* [3:11–16] The second coming of Christ and the judgment of the world are the doctrinal bases for the moral exhortation to readiness through vigilance and a virtuous life; cf. Mt 24:42, 50–51; Lk 12:40; 1 Thes 5:1–11; Jude 20–21.

* [3:12] Flames…fire: although this is the only New Testament passage about a final conflagration, the idea was common in apocalyptic and Greco-Roman thought. Hastening: eschatology is here used to motivate ethics (2 Pt 3:11), as elsewhere in the New Testament. Jewish sources and Acts 3:19–20 assume that proper ethical conduct can help bring the promised day of the Lord; cf. 2 Pt 3:9. Some render the phrase, however, “desiring it earnestly.”

* [3:13] New heavens and a new earth: cf. Is 65:17; 66:22. The divine promises will be fulfilled after the day of judgment will have passed. The universe will be transformed by the reign of God’s righteousness or justice; cf. Is 65:17–18; Acts 3:21; Rom 8:18–25; Rev 21:1. (2 Peter, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 90 contrasts God’s eternity with the brevity of human life.

 

* [Psalm 90] A communal lament that describes only in general terms the cause of the community’s distress. After confidently invoking God (Ps 90:1), the Psalm turns to a complaint contrasting God’s eternity with the brevity of human life (Ps 90:2–6) and sees in human suffering the punishment for sin (Ps 90:7–12). The Psalm concludes with a plea for God’s intervention (Ps 90:13–17). (Psalms, PSALM 90 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus addresses Paying Taxes to the Emperor.

* [12:13–34] In the ensuing conflicts (cf. also Mk 2:1–3:6) Jesus vanquishes his adversaries by his responses to their questions and reduces them to silence (Mk 12:34).

* [12:13–17] See note on Mt 22:15–22. (Mark, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

Mary Lee Brock hears Jesus remind her to “give to God what belongs to God.”  Like a trusted friend at a reunion, Jesus helps her reorient her attention to what truly matters and empowers her to continue to strive for justice and dignity for all.

In the first reading, Peter reinforces this resolve as we read: be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled and to fall from your own stability. But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To him, be glory now and to the day of eternity.  The phrase the error of the unprincipled is a reminder to stay true to our faith and the guiding principles of Catholic Social Teaching. What can feel so overwhelming can become so clear when we focus on what is good and true.

Today I pray for the grace to be curious about the stories people tell. How can I support people sharing what is truly important to them? When I find myself being seduced by malicious gossip, I pray for the strength to redirect the conversation to a more productive place. I pray to feel compassion for those laying traps and those falling for the traps. And I ask Jesus to support me every day to give to God what belongs to God

In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge. (Brock, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Put off the earthly image and put on the heavenly one,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).

"Some people think that the Savior spoke on a single level when he said, 'Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar' - that is, 'pay the tax that you owe.' Who among us disagrees about paying taxes to Caesar? The passage therefore has a mystical and secret meaning. There are two images in humanity. One he received from God when he was made, in the beginning, as Scripture says in the book of Genesis, 'according to the image and likeness of God' (Genesis 1:27). The other image is of the earth (1 Corinthians 15:49). Man received this second image later. He was expelled from Paradise because of disobedience and sin after the 'prince of this world' (John 12:31) had tempted him with his enticements. Just as the coin, or denarius, has an image of the emperor of this world, so he who does the works of 'the ruler of the darkness' (Ephesians 6:12) bears the image of him whose works he does. Jesus commanded that that image should be handed over and thrown away from our face. He wills us to take on that image, according to which we were made from the beginning, according to God's likeness. It then happens that we give 'to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what is God's.' Jesus said, 'Show me a coin.' For 'coin,' Matthew wrote 'denarius' ( Matthew 22:19). When Jesus had taken it, he said, 'Whose inscription does it have?' They answered and said, 'Caesar's.' And he said to them in turn, 'Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.'" (excerpt from HOMILY ON THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 39.4-6) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on 2 Peter 3:12-15, 17-18 comments that the call to discipleship is a call both to “wait” patiently for the Lord and to “hasten” his “day” by actively sharing the gospel, praying for the coming of the kingdom, and caring for the people he has placed in our lives (2 Peter 3:12). It’s a call to stand firm in faith no matter the storms that come to us.

So “be on your guard” (2 Peter 3:17). Let your hope in Christ become the anchor that steadies you and helps preserve your peace. Place your trust in him, and he will help you find safe passage.

“Lord, help me to be always on my guard as I both wait for and hasten the day of your coming!” (Meditation on 2 Peter 3:12-15, 17-18, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in 2 Peter the passage has an apocalyptic theme presenting the idea of a new heaven and a new earth that will be purified and transformed. We will live to give witness to our faith being consistent with our commitment to the Kingdom. In the Gospel of Mark Jesus is called to address the question of paying taxes to Caesar. He sees this as an obvious trap trying to present Him either as a good Jew or as collaborator with the conquering empire. He calls for a Roman coin to be brought out and Jesus uses the denarius, ironically that true Jews would not carry, to differentiate between what we give to Caesar and what we owe to God.  Christian texts very clearly assert legitimate government authority is given by God. Friar Jude notes some more ambiguous treatment of the Emperor here not to be made into a God and in Revelations the Roman Empire is cast as treacherous and evil.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Rt. Rev. Michael Curry who considers how God is always leading us beyond what we think we know. Curry was elected bishop in the Episcopal Church as the church wrestled with questions about the full inclusion and equality of LGBTQ persons in the church.

As a bishop, I made a solemn vow to “guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the Church.” I had also vowed to “be merciful to all, show compassion to the poor and strangers, and defend those who have no helper.” I was beginning to see that obedience to the letter and the spirit of both of those vows was leading me to a real contradiction….

I was growing, and my own beliefs had evolved. But another way to say it is that I was becoming more and more open to letting the spirit of God breathe through me and make me new. Therein is the source of real personal change, evolution, and transformation, and it’s never ending….

The late [lay theologian] Verna Dozier … was a real mentor, teacher, and soul friend to me. In her book The Dream of God, she offered this wisdom: “We always see through a glass darkly, and that is what faith is about. I will live by the best I can discern today. Tomorrow I may find out I was wrong. Since I do not live by being right, I am not destroyed by being wrong.” (Rohr, n.d.)

We pray for the insight of the Spirit as we ponder the paradox of choosing the Way of Jesus while continuing to love and assist fellow pilgrims who choose to render preferentially unto Caesar. 

References

Brock, M. L. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved June 2, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-june-2-2026 

Mark, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 2, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/12 

Meditation on 2 Peter 3:12-15, 17-18. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved June 2, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/06/02/1583989/ 

Psalms, PSALM 90 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved June 2, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/90 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Spirit Reworks Us. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved June 2, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-spirit-reworks-us/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Give to God What Belongs to God. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 2, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

2 Peter, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 2, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2peter/3 

A Vigil of Faith and Hope

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today are proclaimed at the Easter Vigil as we witness the presentation of the journey of our ancestors in the faith that leads to the fullness of life of the resurrection.

Light of Resurrection

Texts proclaimed on Holy Saturday At the Easter Vigil on the Holy Night of Easter!

Links to Texts	A Link to Friar Jude Commentary
Genesis 1:1-2:2	Six Days of Creation and the Sabbath “Creation three times”
Genesis 22:1-18	The Command to Sacrifice Isaac (binding of Isaac)
Exodus 14:15-15:1	The Pursuers Drowned The Song of Moses and Ancient Canticle
Isaiah 54:5-14	The Eternal Covenant of Peace
Isaiah 55:1-11	An Invitation to Abundant Life
Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4	In Praise of Wisdom restored in their hearts.
Ezekiel 36:16-28	The Renewal of Israel
Romans 6:3-11	Dying and Rising with Christ Die in Baptism and Rise with Him
Matthew 28:1-10	The Resurrection of Jesus Two “Mary’s” to the Tomb as Witness

Table 1. Easter Vigil 2026 Readings, for Year A

In Psalm 118, God’s rescue of His people is recounted.

* [Psalm 118] A thanksgiving liturgy accompanying a procession of the king and the people into the Temple precincts. After an invocation in the form of a litany (Ps 118:1–4), the psalmist (very likely speaking in the name of the community) describes how the people confidently implored God’s help (Ps 118:5–9) when hostile peoples threatened its life (Ps 118:10–14); vividly God’s rescue is recounted (Ps 118:15–18). Then follows a possible dialogue at the Temple gates between the priests and the psalmist as the latter enters to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice (Ps 118:19–25). Finally, the priests impart their blessing (Ps 118:26–27), and the psalmist sings in gratitude (Ps 118:28–29). (Psalms, PSALM 118 | USCCB, n.d.)

* [118:22] The stone the builders rejected: a proverb: what is insignificant to human beings has become great through divine election. The “stone” may originally have meant the foundation stone or capstone of the Temple. The New Testament interpreted the verse as referring to the death and resurrection of Christ (Mt 21:42; Acts 4:11; cf. Is 28:16 and Rom 9:33; 1 Pt 2:7) (Psalms, PSALM 118 | USCCB, n.d.) 

Rev. Kent Beausoleil, SJ, declares Alleluia! for the excited faces on children as they hunt for brilliantly dyed Easter eggs tomorrow, Easter Sunday here in the United States.   Personally, I never understood what ham, dyed eggs, chocolate, and a bunny rabbit has to do with this day, and so, brunch and family and friend celebrations aside, but ALLELUIA most importantly for what is the reason for these celebrations.

A big alleluia for this day, when we celebrate once again the greatest celebration we can ever celebrate, Jesus, the one who came to save us has indeed risen from the dead.  Alleluia then for our life and our world, that because of his resurrection, we and the world stand changed and changed for the good by a divine love that lives on forever.  Now new beginnings are fragile moments filled with hope-filled expectation.  Our alleluias are indeed real this weekend, yes, they are, but our readings and our gospel call for tempered enthusiasm. (Beausoleil, n.d.)

Don Schwager shares a commentary on the Resurrection.

One thing is certain, if Jesus had not risen from the dead and appeared to his disciples, we would never have heard of him. Nothing else could have changed sad and despairing men and women into people radiant with joy and courage. The reality of the resurrection is the central fact of the Christian faith. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Lord gives us "eyes of faith" to know him and the power of his resurrection. The greatest joy we can have is to encounter the living Lord and to know him personally. Do you celebrate the feast of Easter with joy and thanksgiving for the victory which Jesus has won for you over sin and death? (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us offers a Meditation on Matthew 28:1-10 that shares an excerpt from Pope Leo XIV’s catechesis on hope, in which he reflects on the silent vigil of Holy Saturday.

“In the tomb, Jesus, the living Word of the Father, is silent. But it is precisely in that silence that the new life begins to ferment. Like a seed in the ground, like the darkness before dawn. God is not afraid of the passing time because he is also the God of waiting. Thus, even our ‘useless’ time, that of pauses, emptiness, barren moments, can become the womb of resurrection. Every silence that is welcomed can be the premise of a new Word. Every suspended time can become a time of grace, if we offer it to God.

“Jesus, buried in the ground, . . . is the God who trusts, even when everything seems to be over. And we, on that suspended Sabbath, learn that we do not have to be in a hurry to rise again; first we must stay and welcome the silence, let ourselves be embraced by limitation. At times we seek quick answers, immediate solutions. But God works in depth, in the slow time of trust. The Sabbath of the burial thus becomes the womb from which the strength of an invincible light, that of Easter, can spring forth.

“Dear friends, Christian hope is not born in noise, but in the silence of an expectation filled with love. It is not the offspring of euphoria, but of trustful abandonment. . . . God loves to transfigure reality, making all things new with the fidelity of his love. True joy is born of indwelt expectation, of patient faith, of the hope that what has been lived in love will surely rise to eternal life.” (General Audience, September 17, 2025)

“Here I am, Lord, ready to rise with you.” (Meditation on Matthew 28:1-10, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler offers some comments summarized in Table 1 above.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Author Stephanie Duncan Smith who finds consolation in Holy Saturday, which affirms that the time between loss and new life is holy.

 The Paschal story holds the death of Good Friday and the silence of Holy Saturday before it breaks into the resurrection joy of Easter Sunday. This is the pattern into which we have been baptized, and there is no telling of the liturgical story that does not include this day of the brutal-in-between….

The human heart knows Holy Saturday, because the human heart knows vigilance—the keeping watch that happens when the body cannot choose between hope and fear. We know what it is to wait on edge for the relationship to repair, the addition to break, the body to heal, the clarity to come, the kids to get home safe. We know what it is to want in our waiting, and like the disciples, we wonder where God has gone.

Vigilance is holding in tension two dramatically different outcomes—one of life and one of death—knowing there is nothing you can do to control which way the story tilts…. (Rohr, n.d.)

We are present in this sacred liturgy with the people in our tradition who lived in relationship with God and who found the New Life offered by Christ as we proclaim “He is Risen”

References

Beausoleil, K. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved April 4, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-april-4-2026 

Meditation on Matthew 28:1-10. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved April 4, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/04/03/1531545/ 

Psalms, PSALM 118 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 4, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/118? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Jesus and the End of Scapegoating: Weekly Summary. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 4, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/jesus-and-the-end-of-scapegoating-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Why Do You Seek the Living among the Dead? Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 4, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/