Render to God

The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar's.” He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent. Luke 20:19-26

We are made in the image of God, and yet we try to control and possess one another. We are the carriers of God's love and given the gifts of forgiveness and compassion. Spending the day with our granddaughter reminds me again of the incredible gifts that God gives us, all of the people that love us in our lives.

Today, we read in the Gospel how the religious authorities are trying to arrest Jesus in order to silence him. They want to control the people, want to control religious practices and the peoples' relationship to God. Jesus has been saying things that challenge their authority and control directly. The people are God's people, by Jesus' definition, and so as worthy as the temple scribes and pharisees. God wants us to hear again today that we are worthy, we are the image and likeness of God. We are fashioned by the loving Creator's hands and made for love. God invites us today to regain our sense of belonging to the family of God.

Today I ask God to help me see the image of God in everyone I meet. May we all dedicate our lives to living compassion, hope and love. May we render our honor to God by loving the people around us, honoring them with our care and service today.