Responsorial Psalm: 96:1, 3, 4–5, 7–10
Give the Lord glory and honor.
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:1–5b
Gospel: (Matthew 22:15–21)
“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.”
Reflection
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on who ultimately owns our hearts.
In the Gospel, the Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus with a political question: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” Jesus refuses to be trapped. Holding up the coin, He asks whose image is on it. When they answer, “Caesar’s,” He replies:
“Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” (Matthew 22:21)
Many people interpret this passage as separating faith from everyday life. The meditation challenges that misunderstanding. Jesus is not teaching that religion belongs in church while business, government, healthcare, or public life operate by different moral rules. Rather, He teaches that we have obligations both as citizens and as disciples.
The coin bears Caesar’s image, so it belongs to Caesar. But we bear God’s image. From creation and through Baptism, we belong to God. Therefore, while we honor legitimate civic responsibilities, our ultimate allegiance is to the Lord.
The first reading reinforces this truth. Through the prophet Isaiah, God speaks to Cyrus, a pagan king:
“I am the LORD and there is no other.”
Even Cyrus received his authority from God. Power, influence, leadership, intelligence, and success are gifts entrusted by God. No ruler, nation, employer, or institution stands above Him.
St. Paul, in the second reading, reminds the Thessalonians that their faith is not merely words, but a lived reality marked by faith, love, and enduring hope. Christianity must be visible in everyday actions.
Today’s Gospel asks us to examine our lives. Are we the same Christians at work as we are in church? Do we practice honesty when no one is watching? Do we fulfill our responsibilities faithfully? Does our faith shape how we treat others? Do we recognize that everything we have comes from God?
For those of us in healthcare, we can live this Gospel by treating every patient as someone made in God’s image, serving with integrity even during busy shifts, documenting truthfully and accurately, showing compassion to difficult patients and families, and bringing Christ’s love into every interaction.
In this way, we give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar through faithful professional service, while giving to God what belongs to God through lives rooted in faith and charity.
Amen.
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