IS 45:1, 4-6; PS 96:1, 3-5, 7-10; 1 THES 1:1-5B; MT 22:15-21
Today's readings remind us to be mindful not only of who we are, but also Whose we are.
In our First Reading, the prophet Isaiah proclaims one of the great truths of our faith: "I am the LORD and there is no other, there is no God besides me." Those words remain just as important today as they were centuries ago. In a world filled with competing priorities and constant distractions, we are called to place God first in every area of our lives.
Christian stewardship helps us do exactly that. It challenges us to use our time, talents, and treasure in ways that proclaim not only with our words, but also with our lives, that we belong to the Lord.
St. Paul encourages the Christians in Thessalonica by reminding them that the Gospel came to them "not in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction." Those same gifts have been given to us. Through Baptism, the Eucharist, Reconciliation, Sacred Scripture, and the life of the Church, God supplies every grace we need to live as faithful disciples.
That truth comes into sharp focus in today's Gospel. The Pharisees try to trap Jesus by asking whether it is lawful to pay the tax to Caesar. They believe they have presented Him with an impossible choice. If He approves the tax, He risks losing the support of the people. If He rejects it, He risks the wrath of the Roman authorities.
Jesus answers with divine wisdom. Holding up the coin, He asks whose image it bears. When they reply, "Caesar," He tells them, "Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."
The coin bears Caesar's image, so it belongs to Caesar. We bear the image and likeness of God. We belong to Him.
Everything we have comes from the Lord, and through Baptism we have become His sons and daughters. Our lives are not our own.
They are gifts entrusted to us so that, in gratitude, we may know Him, love Him, serve Him, and help others do the same.
May we joyfully give thanks to God each day by living as people who never forget Whose we are.
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