A trick question, a coin, an image. Jesus cuts to the heart: Caesar may have the coin, but God holds the person who bears his likeness. We are citizens of earth and children of heaven. Today we ask not to mix up the two loyalties.
Sharp questions come at you, Lord,
and the trap closes on empty air.
Make our answers as clear as yours:
no flattery, no fear.
A coin is lifted to the light.
Whose face is stamped there? A passing ruler’s.
Whose face is stamped on me, Father?
Yours, pressed deep and lasting.
Teach us to pay what is owed with honest hands.
No shortcut should rob the common good.
Bless those who govern and serve our cities,
that they work with integrity and care.
What is yours, Lord, we give back: our very lives.
Not a polite offering, but the whole heart.
Let no ruler or wealth take your place in us.
Keep our loyalty free.
Holy Spirit, make us citizens of the Kingdom
and leaven of justice in every street.
Praise to you, for ever.
Amen.
Explanation
In Matthew’s Gospel (22:15-21), the Pharisees send their disciples, with the Herodians, to trap Jesus: is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar? Aware of their malice, he asks to see the coin used for the tax and asks whose image and inscription it bears. They answer: Caesar’s. Then he says: «Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s». He distinguishes the two realms without placing them on the same level: God comes first, since man is made in his image.
Practical Applications for Daily Life
- Pay what is fair: Be honest with taxes, receipts and promises.
- Remember who you are: At the mirror, repeat: I bear the image of God.
- Return your time to God: Set aside ten quiet minutes for him before evening.
- Pray for those who govern: Offer a prayer for the leaders of your town and country.
- Serve the common good: Do one concrete thing for your neighborhood or parish.
Questions for Personal or Group Reflection
- To whom or what do I give more than I owe?
- What does it mean for me to bear God’s image?
- How do I live my duties as a citizen in the light of the Gospel?
- Which part of my life have I not yet returned to God?
- How can I pray and work for the common good?