Glory be to Jesus Christ!
Do you have a coin collection? My son has a collection of coins from around the world, and also a special collection of coins which were minted in the year he was born. Coins are some of the most interesting artifacts from our current culture and from ancient cultures. The coins of the Roman Empire allowed business and trade to happen across a wide and diverse empire through a common currency.
We read in today’s passage of duplicitous people trying to trap Jesus in His speech. They give Him a question: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” They think this is a no-win question. Saying “yes” would have convicted Him among his own oppressed Jewish people, but saying “no” would have brought a charge against Him of treason. Our Lord’s amazing answer flips this trial completely around!
You see, brothers and sisters, we have been minted by God. We have been made in His Image and Likeness. We belong to Him on the most fundamental level imaginable! Our life is a life of returning to Him that which He has already given, that which He has already blessed. We remember this especially when we life up our prayers to the Lord during the Liturgy: “We offer to You Yours of Your own in behalf of all and for all.”
Take a few minutes today to contemplate the mystery of the gift of life God has given you. You have been designed and created for a purpose. Your life has inherent dignity and meaning. You have been lovingly minted.
Let us continue to return to “Him who made us” this life, through living for Him today!
