“Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”
The first time I received my payslip (which was 15 years ago), the first entry that caught my attention was the tax I paid. It was already withheld by the company so I have no way of getting that amount. And for years on, whenever the opportunity presents itself, I would always discuss this issue with my friends or colleagues, who, I would also learn, has been “disgusted” with the amount of tax they pay relative to the amount of service they get. And as years go by, the amount of tax would increase and increase.
Then one day, a friend told me that the reason why my tax is increasing, it is because my salary in increasing! I was dumbfounded… all along I was looking at the tax withheld and not really looking at the amount that I actually keep for myself. I wallowed in the negative and forgotten the blessings that I am receiving. And thousand years ago, the Pharisees has asked the same question, not because they want a moral answer from Jesus, but because they want to “esnare” Him and finally put Him to jail. But His wisdom would tell us, “Give to Ceasar what is due him, and to God what belongs to God”.
But what belongs to God? No other than us. The denarius bears the image of Ceasar, so it belongs to Him. And we, we bear the likeliness of God, being created in His likeness and image. Scripture reminds us again and again of our inherent dignity as sons and daughters of God, made in His image and likeness. We bear His image on our souls; we belong to Him. We owe everything back to Him – and more – out of love.
Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s but give to God what is God’s. He has “called us by name”. Blessed are we when we answer His call to holiness and place Him first in every aspect of our lives. Look at all the blessings we receive from Him, for He is good and will provide for everything.
Almighty Father, I am Yours and Yours alone. Teach me to respond to Your call for holiness and to give my whole life in obeying and following Your will. You have given us everything, and all of these we bring back to You. You have provided for everything and may we learn to provide the same to those who are in need. Amen +
In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
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