Giving to God – Reflection on Matthew 22:15-21
When you think about giving to God the things that are God, what are your immediate thoughts? Perhaps because of your wonderful relationship with God, it is prayer, praise, or gratitude. Perhaps it is what you do or being present for the others in your life, like your spouse, family, friends, or even strangers. How do you feel about taxes? While taxes are necessary, I pay them. If you are like me, there are moral issues of its destination I must pray for. For me, giving to God is joyful. Trusting past experiences, I know that what I give to God will be used for good even if I do not know the intended recipient.
The Pharisees and the Herodians Conspire Against Jesus by James Tissot
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Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 2215-21 – Scripture*
The Question about Paying Taxes
15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. 16 So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. 20 Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” 21 They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 22:15-21 Reflection – Giving to God.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Matthew 21 passage.
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