October 22, 2017

Gospel: Mt 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.”

REFLECTION:
Read: Even when we do not know God, God knows us through and through. Paul invites Thessalonians to keep memory of their divine call. Jesus settles the question on paying taxes to Caesar.
Reflect: Jesus settles the question on taxes by verifying the engraved image on the coin. It was Caesar‘s, and Jesus tells them to pay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God. If one were to settle the question as to whom our lives belong, one must look at the engraved image in our souls – whose would it be? Caesar‘s or God‘s who has shaped, known, and called us even before we were born? Let us give to God what belongs to God – our very lives.
Pray: We shall pray for a true sense of belongingness to God and His Kingdom.
Act: Draw up a spiritual will and testament for yourself.