Give to God what belongs to God

 Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A - 18th October 2020

Gospel Matthew 22: 15–21

The Pharisees went away to work out between them how to trap Jesus in what he said. And they sent their disciples to him, together with the Herodians, to say, ‘Master, we know that you are an honest man and teach the way of God in an honest way, and that you are not afraid of anyone, because a person’s rank means nothing to you. Tell us your opinion, then. Is it permissible to pay taxes to Caesar or not?’ But Jesus was aware of their malice and replied, ‘You hypocrites! Why do you set this trap for me? Let me see the money you pay the tax with.’ They handed him a denarius, and he said, ‘Whose head is this? Whose name?’ ‘Caesar’s,’ they replied. He then said to them, ‘Very well, give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar – and to God what belongs to God’.

Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

As I prepare for this part of my prayer, I may find it helpful to become aware of my breathing. As I breathe in, I take in God’s love, and as I breathe out, I surrender any concerns or fears I may have to God.

When ready, I read the Gospel passage slowly and carefully, letting the words soak in.

Perhaps I ponder the phrase ‘give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar – and to God what belongs to God’.

I think of the gifts I have been given, and how I am using them.

As I read it through a second time, I may find it helpful to imagine myself in the scene: perhaps as a Herodian ... or as a disciple of the Pharisees or of Jesus ... or just as myself.

What do I see and hear? What do I notice about Jesus? How he holds the coin ... the tone of his voice ... the expression on his face ...

Do his eyes catch mine? How do I feel about that?

Is he saying something to me? How am I responding?

Perhaps I want to tell Jesus of any worries, fears or pressures ... anything that might be holding me back from ‘giving to God what belongs to God’.

He is listening, though he already knows and understands.

I can tell him my deepest longings too, just as I would a dear friend.

I ask Jesus to give me the grace he feels I need at this time, so that I can follow better the life that he desires for me.

As I slowly make the sign of the cross, I thank the Lord for the time I have just spent with him, as well as the gifts I have received.

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