When the scribes and chief priests realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to lay hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people. So they watched him and sent spies who pretended to be honest, in order to trap him by what he said, so as to hand him over to the jurisdiction and authority of the governor. So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you are right in what you say and teach, and you show deference to no one, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But he perceived their craftiness and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose head and whose title does it bear?” They said, “The emperor’s.” He said to them, “Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were not able in the presence of the people to trap him by what he said; and being amazed by his answer, they became silent. Luke 20:19-26
Loving Creator, you have given us all
abundant good gifts of life and families
rain to bring growth and shelter in season
never ceasing to give us blessing upon blessing.
We often cry and struggle in hard times
thinking you have abandoned us
then when our lives are plentiful and rich
we pat ourselves on the back with pride.
Yet you are the same in every season
teaching us to never hold back giving
calling us to participate in community
by paying our dues and sharing with all.
Help us this day to see your generosity
let us be your followers as we are generous
let our lives and actions be a blessing today
so that your love is visible in our world. Amen.
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