In Matthew 22 (as we heard last weekend) Jesus said, “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
The Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus in a dilemma about taxes. We can understand that in this “gotcha” election season, can’t we? Taxes are still an issue. But Jesus’ response is clever enough that they are amazed. What strikes you about the response?
Jesus “threads the needle” as they say. If he said, “Pay taxes,” some would object. If he said, “Don’t pay taxes,” others would object. But this throws the question back to them about their allegiance. How does your faith in God affect your values for social issues, like taxes?
Notice Jesus’ sense of humor in this indirect response. I imagine him with a smirk here. Where have you noticed humor or joy recently? God cares about joy, too.
Once again – I am grateful for you, and the joy you share through St. Timothy and in your life. Make space for the kind of joy that can be shared with others (like this gospel).
Three Holy Days
In our tradition, we make space on Maundy Thursday to remember central parts of our faith story. We hear about the...
