We Belong To God

10-22-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp, V.F.

In the first reading from the prophet Isaiah, we see God uses Cyrus, a pagan king, as an instrument to realize the liberation of Israel from the Babylonians. Hence, in Isaiah 45:1 it says, “Thus, says the Lord to his anointed, Cyrus whose right hand I grasp”, and in verse 4, it says “For the sake of Jacob, my servant of Israel my chosen one, I have called you by name, though you knew me not, I am the Lord and there is no other.”

The significance of the call of Cyrus, is to show that God can always perform his miracles and mighty deeds in an unexpected way and through events or persons we do not expect. God can use any means to accomplish His goal for you. That is why losing hope does not help. At times, when we are in a difficult situation or crisis, we may receive help and assistance from people we least expect.

The Gospel passage is saying people have given different interpretations and nuances based on their understanding. Jesus says, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” The question then remains what is it that belongs to Caesar and what is it that belongs to God. In this passage, we see the Pharisees and the Herodias coming together simply because they want to eliminate Jesus. They are strange bedfellows. The Pharisees do not agree to the paying of taxes because they see it as abomination while the Herodias support the paying of taxes because they pay their allegiance to Herod and to the Roman authorities. The Pharisees want to eliminate Jesus because, for them, He upsets the religious establishment they claim to be its custodian while the Herodias are angry with Jesus because He talks about the kingdom of God thereby making the kingdom of Herod they believe in non-important. Hence, He should be eliminated. Jesus becomes a common enemy that should be removed. That was why they brought up the issue of paying taxes to see how to catch Him and trap Him.

Jesus being the wisdom of God, confronted them in their hypocrisy, hence He demanded for a coin which bears the image of the emperor. Does it not bear the image and name of the emperor? How is it that you take it in hand when human images are forbidden to the Jews.

He goes on to say, since the coin bears the image and inscription of the emperor, give them to him. Because they belong to him. You, however, bear in yourself the image of God, for man and woman are created in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, give yourself, your heart, your lives to the one to whom they belong.

Fr. Tony Okolo C.S.Sp., V.F.