In recent years there has been a lot of
talk about religious freedom, about the government infringing on the rights of
churches, religions. Perhaps our Gospel story today can be cast in the light of
religious freedom after all Rome was asking for tax money so that they could
continue their conquering ways. Just think of all the barbaric acts that these
taxes would be paying for. Just think of the Roman occupation that these taxes
would be paying for. It would seem only right for Jesus to say that withholding
the Roman tax would be the right thing to do.
However, Jesus simply says, “Repay to
Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” In other words culture and society are not
always going to line up with our faith values yet we are still part of culture
and society. We will need to give what they require but we will also need to
live out our faith, our relationship with God. At times these two relationships
are in tension even conflict and we have to make a choice. The choice is not
always easy and often has consequences. The challenge is that we live in the
world but we are friends of God.
Daily Prayer: Loving God,
renew in us the courage to live life as Jesus would. Help us especially to
stand for the values that Jesus taught, and give us the wisdom to discern how
best to do this. When opposition comes our way may we not give way to fear and timidity.
Grace us always with the gifts of wisdom, right judgment, courage and reverence.
Amen!
Runner’s Thought: Running
meditation is not about the peak experience, that rare moment of personal
triumph occasionally achieved by athletes.
It is about a consistent relationship with God through the gift of
running. The meditative runner simply moves, swiftly or ploddingly, towards
union, towards friendship with God. The meditative runner achieves her/his goal
every day. There are no good runs. There are no bad runs. There is always
victory – a steady movement toward a relationship with God.
Happy Tuesday everyone! We are still at
war with ants here in Pelham but at least the sun is out and the air is crisp
and comfortable. I hope everyone’s Tuesday has started off well. I hope the sun
is shining wherever you are and that you are moving about today with a lively
step and a hopeful purpose. If not I pray that your day will get better!
Blessings today upon you, your work,
your ministry, those whom you meet, those whom you love! Remember, “Seek God
and you will find God and every good thing as well!” (Meister Eckhart) Have a
great day! Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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