Asked about paying taxes, Jesus answers: “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”

The coin bears Caesar’s image. But whose image do we bear? Scripture tells us that God created us in His image and likeness. Before we have accomplished anything or earned anyone’s approval, He has given us life. We belong to Him. His love enables us to reflect His goodness in the way we live.

The God to whom we belong remains faithful. In today’s First Reading, He works through Cyrus, a foreign king, to bring His people home from exile. In Jesus Christ, His saving love comes to meet us personally. Through His Death and Resurrection, He opens our way home to the Father.

Our belonging to God shapes our whole lives, including our public responsibilities. With elections approaching, we are called to become informed, form our consciences through prayer and Church teaching, and vote thoughtfully. Every person affected by our decisions bears God’s image. Our deepest allegiance is to God. His Gospel guides our choices and calls us to speak and listen with truthfulness, charity, and respect.

In the Eucharist, Christ draws us into His offering to the Father and strengthens us to carry His love into the world. The One who calls us to give ourselves to God first gives Himself to us.

This week, let us pray: Lord, guide our choices and help us reflect Your love in our care for others.

Fr. Paul