Reading
The Pharisees went off
and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech.
They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying,
"Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man
and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.
And you are not concerned with anyone's opinion,
for you do not regard a person's status.
Tell us, then, what is your opinion:
Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?"
Knowing their malice, Jesus said,
"Why are you testing me, you hypocrites?
Show me the coin that pays the census tax."
Then they handed him the Roman coin.
He said to them, "Whose image is this and whose inscription?"
They replied, "Caesar's."
At that he said to them,
"Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar
and to God what belongs to God."
Reflection
Praised be Jesus Christ!
A common human spiritual error we can make is compartmentalizing God. We think about God in our prayers, during the Sacraments, and at Sunday Mass, but we can marginalize Him in the other aspects of our life. This idea is not what God intends. He intends to be a part our daily lives, in all aspects.
When we allow the Holy Trinity into the actions and events of our life -- even the most mundane -- we sanctify our intentions and give over to God in trust the outcome of our decisions. Today, let us heed the gentle voice of God calling us to give Him our very selves. As always, know of my prayers before Our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament.
+Bishop Schlert
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