“…Very well, give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God belongs to God.”

Whilst Jesus didn’t actually answer the question posed by the Pharisees and the Herodians “Is it permissible to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” (Matthew 22:17) the response He gave was interesting,if not a tad oblique. He recognised the malice and hypocrisy behind the question and His answer was challenging, requiring some introspection and discernment. 

 Perhaps the ‘scenario’ could be described as being akin to,or similar to a  “dual citizenship”. Our birth made us citizens of an earthly nation and our Baptism made us citizens of a heavenly kingdom.The readings remind us today,and even highlight that sometimes they overlap, but we need to live out both of these citizenships responsibly.

The Gospel story is about sincerity and truth in our relationships with each other and with God. We are challenged and reminded that we are to somehow create a balance between secular and spiritual/civil and religious. Such decisions require careful navigation and sometimes we become aware of the melding of dual citizenship.

 Living as a disciple necessitates discerning the right actions in both secular and spiritual realms. We are asked to be GENUINE in both duties without being hypocritical- in other words respond to the call to lead an authentic life, understanding and acknowledging our responsibilities in the secular world but making sure our spiritual commitments are not compromised.

 We are brought back to the word “image” and what it means and how apparent/ obvious is the image? Perhaps our image of Caesar has been replaced by ideas of “possessions, prestige, religious and national bigotry”(Michael Fallon). God’s stamp on us is often hidden but can never be truly lost. A quote from an Ancient Christian Writer (unnamed)states “ The image of God is not depicted on gold but is imaged in humanity i.e. human beings”.

 The challenge for us could be many and varied such as

  How do I prioritise/ balance my commitments?

  How do I discern what I owe to worldly commitments and to my spiritual ones?

  Is there room for growth?

  How much importance do I give the image I reveal in my relationships?

The first two readings offer hope and comfort. Isaiah emphasisesGod’s omnipotence- He can work through any of us in any situation, reminding us of His presence and influence, but we need to accept Him.

The reading from Thessalonians gives us an example of genuine faith which actively engages with the world. We are reminded again of the role of the Spirit who emboldens us, assures us and again if we allow it , be the source of our conviction.

 “Very well, give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar - and to God what belongs to God”.  

 Ken and Carolyn Evenden