Repay What Belongs
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Tuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Mark 12: 13-17 - Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to ensnare him in his speech. They came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion. You do not regard a person’s status but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or should we not pay?” Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.” They brought one to him and he said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They replied to him, “Caesar’s.” So Jesus said to them, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” They were utterly amazed at him.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
As Christians, we have a very, very important role to play in society. There are some who don’t think that we should bring our faith into politics. They are completely going against our clear Catholic teachings. Our faith isn’t one aspect of our lives, it penetrates and changes all aspects of our lives, including politics. Our faith must shape our political ideas; if it does not, we are not approaching politics correctly. We are hurting society.
This Gospel sheds light also on money. Jesus treats our money like it’s God’s. Is it? How do we view our money? Do we view it as God’s, or do we view it as ours? If we viewed it as God’s money that we are taking care of for Him and that we will have to account for, would we act differently? Would we give more to charity…buy less unnecessary stuff…take less elaborate vacations…be less anxious about our savings accounts? Well, it is God’s money! And we will give an account! Give to God what is God’s.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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