Give to God What Belongs to God

10-17-2014Weekly ReflectionFr. Will Schmid

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In today's Gospel (Mt. 22:15-21), the Pharisees and the Herodians approach Jesus with the intent of cornering Him into a deadly trap. They came to Jesus with a question that they thought was inescapable, a question that would surely cause Jesus to be arrested and persecuted no matter how he answered: "Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?" This was a very dangerous question. If Jesus answers, "yes," then Jesus is agreeing with the heavy and burdensome taxes placed upon the Jewish people and condoning the support of worldly power above God. This would incite a violent response from the Pharisees. If Jesus answers "no," then Jesus is disagreeing with Roman rule and would be proposing a civil rebellion. This would incite a violent response from the Herodians. How does Jesus escape this deadly trap?

Jesus answers man's heart more than man's words. Instead of falling victim to their deadly verbal trap, Jesus pierces the hearts of the Pharisees and Herodians by transcending the question altogether. Jesus' response begins with a request for a coin, demonstrating that those present are already under Caesar's rule to some degree because of their use of his money. By their own admission, they acknowledge that the coin belongs to Caesar because it reflects his image. Since it belongs to him, Jesus informs them that they should give it back to him. If they benefit from his assistance, then they owe him his due. However, Jesus finishes his response by saying that they should also give to God what belongs to God.

What belongs to God? We belong to God. Human persons are created in His image and likeness. We are like coins stamped with God's very own image. Thus, our whole lives belong to God and should be returned to God as a gift. Since we rely on Him for everything, we should give Him His proper due.

The hearts of the Pharisees were closed off to God. They didn't want to give themselves back to God as a gift. They weren't interested in what God had to say through His Son, Jesus Christ. They merely wanted to trap him. Their hearts were impure, and Jesus' answer exposed this impurity.

Brothers and sisters, do we give to God what belongs to God? Do we seek to give back to God all that we have and all that we are? Have we consecrated our families, our work, and all our various endeavors to Christ?

Peace in Christ,
Fr. Will

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