“Render to Caesar, what is his and to God what is God’s."

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!

 

＊＊＊ 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 (76) 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, the 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 away, considering how they could trap Jesus by his own words. They sent to him their disciples, along with members of Herod's party, saying, "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.

 

So tell us what you think: is it against the law to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" But Jesus understood their evil intentions, and said to them, "Hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin with which you pay taxes." They showed him a silver coin, and Jesus said to them, "Whose head is this, and whose name?" They answered, "Caesar's. Then Jesus replied, "So give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and give to God what is God's."

 

Gospel Reflection ：

"So give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and give to God what is God's."

 

Lectio Divina

 Read: The prophet Isaiah praises Cyrus, the king who brought the Israelites back from exile, as God's anointed leader. Paul and his companions greet the Thessalonians, applauding them for their steadfastness in faith and commending them to go in prayer. In the Gospel, Jesus' opponents try to trap him and branding him as an enemy of Rome. But Jesus keeps the focus where it belongs – on God.

 

Reflect: In recent years, religious nationalism has become more prevalent in countries around the world. The hallmark of religious nationalism is a blurring of the boundaries between God and country. Proponents often believe that God has specially blessed their country, privileging it above other countries.

 

Jesus' response to the question about paying taxes to Caesar directly addresses the relationship between God and country. While we owe our nation loyalty and obedience to its just laws, we owe God all our love and trust. Only God can save us from death and that saving love recognizes no boundaries. When we confuse or conflate God and country, we give neither their proper due. Even more, we divide ourselves from our brothers and sisters, all children of our loving Father. 

 

Pray: Lord, help me to work for justice and peace.

Act: Read the front page of the newspaper and pray for the needs you see there.