(Source from The Word Among Us)

Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God. (Matthew 22:21)

In first-century Palestine, taxes were a painful reminder that God’s people were living under the oppressive rule of a foreign power. So when the Pharisees “plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech” (Matthew 22:15), the hot-button topic of taxation seemed like a clever strategy. If Jesus supported paying taxes, he would come across as disloyal to the Jews. If he opposed it, he could be accused of rebelling against Rome.

Jesus’ reply makes an important point for both first-century Jews and for us today: we can, and should, meet both our civic and religious obligations. What “belongs to Caesar” (Matthew 22:21)? In other words, what are our civic duties? According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “It is the duty of citizens to contribute . . . to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom” (2239). This includes a moral obligation “to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one’s country” (2240).

What about our religious obligations? What exactly “belongs to God” (Matthew 22:21)? Our entire selves! Regardless of nationality or citizenship, we are all made in the image of the living God (Genesis 1:26-27). So while we pay our taxes and cast our vote to fulfill our political obligations, we give to God what belongs to him—and that involves the surrender of our entire lives.

Participating wholeheartedly at Mass is a wonderful way to offer to God what belongs to him. Today, as you set aside other activities to listen to the word of God and receive Jesus in the Eucharist, reflect on what he has given you. Then invite him to show you how to surrender to him even more—of your time, treasure, dreams, and of all the people you hold dear.

“Lord, I entrust my whole life to you.”