Dear Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Family,

 

In today’s Gospel, the Pharisees tried to corner Jesus with a question: “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” The Jews resented their foreign rulers and despised paying taxes to Caesar. Whatever Jesus answered, He would lose credibility. If He said it was lawful to pay taxes to the pagan ruler, he would lose credibility with the Jewish Nation. If it was not lawful, then the Pharisees would have grounds to report Him to the Roman authorities and have Him arrested. Jesus avoided their trap by comparing it to a coin. Since the Jews used Roman currency stamped with Caesar’s image, Jesus explained that what belonged to Caesar must be given to Caesar, and what belonged to God must be given to God.

 

This story carries a deeper message for us all. We, too, have been stamped with God’s image since we were created in His own likeness. We rightfully belong to God, who created us and redeemed us in the precious blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. If we want to be filled with the joy of heaven, then we must empty ourselves of all that separates us from God. Whatever we give Him comes back to us a hundredfold. God will repay our generosity and faithfulness, both in this life and in the life to come.

 

 

Have a blessed day. 

 

Yours in Christ,

Father Edward Domme