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
In Jesus' time, Jerusalem and surrounding areas were occupied territories. There was much arguing about paying taxes to an government so far away. The taxes taken were not used for the good of the people, but rather for the good of the Roman empire. Caesar and his leadership lived lavishly, while in the occupied territories, the people suffered. And yet when tested, Jesus told them to give to the emperor the things that were the emperor's. Despite the corrupt state of affairs, Jesus reminded them to be faithful in "things", while encouraging them to know what is from God. Our hearts, all of us and all of creation belongs to God. No occupier can take that away. My former chief, Wilma Mankiller knew it. Despite all of the challenges she faced, she knew she belonged to her Creator and was made in that image.
A litany for Sunday, August 22, 2023
O Loving Creator, you made the whole world
putting humankind in place as your stewards
we are made in your image in blessed diversity
and every voice and song is a gift from you.
O Lord, help us to give ourselves wholly to you.
We have taken land that does not belong to us
we have imprisoned people who are different
we have enslaved and terrorized our human family
and we have let violence solve our problems.
O Lord, help us to give ourselves wholly to you.
Today we face a crisis in you Holy Lands
your home has been torn apart and we mourn
although we have not taken care of others
we demand that you repair the damage done.
O Lord, help us to give ourselves wholly to you.
Make us humble enough to own our transgressions
make us honest enough to see the violence we cause.
O Lord, help us to give ourselves wholly to you.
Help us to not hold on to the things of this world
but give you all of us, heart, mind and soul.
O Lord, help us to give ourselves wholly to you.
May we honor you by honoring our neighbors
humbly rejoicing in seeing your face in our enemies.
O Lord, help us to give ourselves wholly to you. Amen.
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