Monday, April 20, 2015

render

today's readings: Joshua 21:1-22:20, Luke 20:1-26, Psalm 89:1-13, Proverbs 13:15-16

Jesus was amazing. bad guys were always trying to trap Him by asking Him tricky questions. but His thoughts were not their thoughts, and His ways were not their ways. not only did He not get trapped by their questions, but He used those moments to teach everyone listening (including us!).

today they ask Him if they should pay taxes. He amazes them with His answer. give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and give to God what is God's.

and what is God's? well, Caesar's face is on the coin. and God's face is on us people. we are made in His image. so we should give our money to where it's owed.... and give our lives to God who made us.

God, please help me be generous with my money and my life, neither of which belong to me.

1 comment:

Julie said...

This is one of my dilemmas, I struggle with it all the time. I give to God thru our parish and other areas, but if I turn around and take it as a tax deduction is this truly giving as God commands? If I help someone in need and then expect them to take care of me if I am in need am I truly giving as God commands? I don't think so. Today we as humans have a "look at me and what I did" attitude. To me it is to be given without expecting anything in return. Giving in secret is not the way of our world. Now, if we give/help so that we get something in return......Lord create in me a pure heart.