Render to God

Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap Jesus in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away. Matthew 22:15-22 

Render to God

O Great Giver of Life
Author of all that is good
let us give back to you
a measure of the love received
by sharing with those in need.

Let us not focus today on rulers
nor governments and politics
instead let us look on our neighbors
with compassionate kindness
and let us give them our very best.

Move us away from arguments
steer us clear of all judgements
let us turn again to your divine grace
help be the blessings you made us
and see the gifts of grace in others.

Let this be a day to begin again
giving back all that we have been given
celebrating the wonders of your creation
honoring the elders and their sacrifice
and becoming gifts of love to our world. Amen.