Daily Retreat 06/06/06

2006 Jun 6 Tue: Ordinary Weekday/ Norbert, bp, rf

2 Pt 3: 12-15a. 17-18/ Ps 90: 2. 3-4. 10. 14 and 16/ Mk 12: 13-17

From today’s readings: "Therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned, be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled and to fall from your own stability.... In every age, O Lord, You have been our refuge.... Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."

What Belongs to God

Christ’s response to the question about paying taxes shouldn’t be categorized as merely a brilliant and politically astute comment which successfully dodges the main issue. No, for our Lord’s words were offered as an honest and complete answer, which did, however, obviously transcend the limitations of the insidious question.

I’ll leave it to others to argue about "what belongs to Caesar," for the bigger issue is about "what belongs to God." If you were to compile a quick inventory about who and what you are and what you have, how much would you reckon actually belongs to God?

When we remember that God created everything out of nothing, it’s hard to minimize, compartmentalize or otherwise downplay the legitimacy of the Lord’s claims on our entire existence! He gives us Life - and He asks us to repay Him with reverence for all life made in the divine image. He gives us Time - and He asks us to repay Him by keeping holy the weekly Sabbath. He gives us Hope - and asks us to repay Him by trumpeting that hope to others. He gives us Love, Mercy, and Forgiveness - and asks us to repay Him by sharing that with others.

I write these daily reflections as a humble offering and small part of rendering to God what belongs to Him. Your own time spent reading, reflecting, and taking action can be offered in the same spirit of giving to God what clearly belongs to Him!