WE ARE STAMPED IN HIS IMAGE
In today's reading
from Mark, Jesus is questioned by the Pharisees and Herodians. They arrange
this encounter with Jesus not to engage in open conversation over the matter of
the law, but rather to pose a dilemma to test Jesus. They try to ensnare him and
trick him into making a statement they could use against Him. If Jesus says
that one does not have to pay the census tax, He breaks the civil law. If He
says that the census tax should be paid, He breaks the religious law. Jesus, a
master at getting out of these situations and turning the tables on the
questioners, chooses neither of these options. Instead He has them produce a
secular coin, and drawing their attention to this image says simply,
"Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to
God." They are amazed, but they do not fully comprehend Jesus' response.
In the beautiful
mind of Jesus each one of us is make in the image of God and belongs to our
heavenly Father. We rightfully belong, not to ourselves, but to God our Father
who created us and redeemed us through Christ Jesus His Son.
In the Responsorial
we acclaim, "The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord"
(Ps 112.) For our God lavishly gives to us and His generosity shall endure
always. Trusting in the grace of God, we will find joy in keeping His law and
compassionately helping those most in need. God has called each of us to be
"a just person" for we are all stamped in His image!
Give to God what
rightfully belongs to Him.