So Jesus said to them, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” They were utterly amazed at him.
(Mark 12:17)
The Pharisees were amazed, my Jesus, because “knowing their hypocrisy,” you had not only answered their question about whether it was legal to pay tribute to Caesar, but you had also sidestepped the trap they had set for you.
A coin is a human invention. We use it according to our rights as citizens. It is neither moral nor immoral, but just an object. What we owe to you, Lord, is a return of gratitude for everything you have given us. What can I give you today>
“How can I repay the Lord for all the great good done for me? I will raise the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of the people.” (Psalm 116:12-14)
What is my cup of salvation? It is the cup I will offer as you, Father, offered it to your Son in Gethsemane. Let me not shrink from whatever you ask.
What is my vow? It is the promise made in my name at Baptism and renewed by me throughout my life. In the presence of your people, I will affirm that I belong to you by loving you and them. Please show me how to do that today.