*** 1st Reading ***

Isaiah 45:1, 4-6

Thus says Yahweh to his anointed, to Cyrus:

 “I have taken you by the right hand to subdue nations before you and strip kings of their armor, to open the gateways before you so that they will be closed no more.  For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen one, I have called you by your name and given you your mission although you do not know me. 

 I am Yahweh, and there is no other; there is no God besides me. I armed you when you did not know me,  so that, from the rising to the setting of the sun, all may know that there is no one besides me; I am Yahweh, and there is no other.

 

Ps 96:1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10(7b)

Give the Lord glory and honor.

 

*** 2nd Reading ***

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b

From Paul, Sylvanus and Timothy to the church of Thessalonica which is in God the Father and in Christ Jesus, the Lord. May the peace and grace of God be with you. We give thanks to God at all times for you and remember you in our prayers.

We constantly recall before God our Father the work of your faith, the labors of your love and your endurance in waiting for Christ Jesus our Lord. We remember, brothers and sisters, the circumstances of your being called.

The gospel we brought you was such not only in words. Miracles, Holy Spirit and plenty of everything were given to you. You also know how we dealt with you for your sake.

 

**** Gospel ****

Matthew 22:15-21

The Pharisees went out and took counsel on how they could trap Jesus with his own words.   They then sent their disciples with the members of Herod’s party for this purpose. They said to Jesus, “Master, we know that you are an honest man and truly teach God’s way; you are not influenced by others nor are you afraid of anyone.  

 Tell us, then, what you think: is it against the Law to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But Jesus understood their evil intent, and said to them, “Hypocrites! Why are you testing me?   Show me the coin with which you pay the taxes.”

They showed him a denarius,  and Jesus said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose name?”  They answered, “Caesar’s.” Then Jesus replied, “Therefore, return to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

 

Gospel Reflection

Read:

The Responsorial Psalm captures well the theme of this Sunday: “Give the Lord glory and honor.” King Cyrus of Peraia is called the “anointed” of the Yahweh for he fulfills His divine will, namely: the liberation of the exiled Israel. Cyrus, a pagan king gives God glory by his just policy.

The Pharisees and Herodians (otherwise sworn enemies) pose a seemingly impossible dilemma to Jesus – about the lawfulness of Jews paying taxes to the Roman emperor. Jesus’ answer, so famous in our politicized world, puts the inquisitors instead into a dilemma. “Render to Caesar, what is his and to God what is God’s.

Reflect:

This oft quoted verse is not so much about separation of church and state as about fulfilling our rightful obligations. We are citizens of two worlds – heaven and earth. As citizens of this world we must fulfill our just duties and obligations. As citizens of heaven we are equally obliged to give what is due to God!

Pray:

We bear in our persons the image of the Divine. Thus, we belong to God. we owe God our obedience and loyalty. When there comes a confilict between our obligation to this world and our obligation to God, we pray we may opt to stand loyal to Him whose image we bear!

Act:

The challenge to us who bear the image of the Divine is to ask: “Am I a faithful image or reflection of my God?” Can people who see me be able to recognize God?