Paul Scalia has written an excellent essay for the Catholic Thing called ‘Being God’s’. He explores Our Lord’s comment, “Repay to Caesar….” to the Jewish leaders, in the context of our current political situation. His conclusion is that we need to always look to our own soul, and to repay to God what belongs to Him: our very selves, created in His image. I will take to the confessional my obsession with current events, and resulting neglects, because my first duty is to give Him my time and prayer…. https://www.thecatholicthing.org/20...14e16a-320224b320-244097457&mc_cid=320224b320
Thank you for sharing…. I agree with what Fr. Paul writes. I also look at this Gospel less from the political perspective and more personal. Jesus asks who is image on coin and of course they say “Caesar” which to me is not just government but really the world (material things). He says give that to the world. But I think implicit is jesus always asks what image should we give to God? I go back to Genesis, where it says we are made in the image and likeness of God. I think the image of God remains with us, but the likeness (at least for me) can be very unclear because of my faults and sins. I think Jesus is telling me here… sure give the world the material things it must have but also give God all of your self… which is to be holy and perfect. Of course that in this world is going to fall short (thankful for His mercy in confession!) but it’s in the willingness to give thus to God in trust and love. peace.
