LAITY REFLECTIONS FOR THE 29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A
First Reading: Isaiah 45:1;4-6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:1 and 3; 4-5; 7-8; 9-10a (R.7b)
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5
Gospel Acclamation: John 17:17
Gospel: Matthew 22:15-21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:1 and 3; 4-5; 7-8; 9-10a (R.7b)
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5
Gospel Acclamation: John 17:17
Gospel: Matthew 22:15-21
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| Comfort Edewor |
MY REFLECTION
"Render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God, the things that are God's."
Our Lord, in this scripture passage, reminds us of our duty towards constituted authorities, because all authority comes from God, and disobedience to such authorities is seen as disobedience to God. Except in situations where laws are made that are clearly contradictory to God's law, can anyone ignore or disobey such instructions.
Civil laws are usually or supposed to be made with the general wellbeing of the citizens in mind, and so lack of cooperation by the citizens can equally affect everyone and can lead to chaos. Let us always be conscious of the fact that when we cooperate with constituted authorities in their effort to make things better for everyone, we are walking on the right path.
More importantly is the fact that we understand that "the earth and its fullness belongs to God" and so in this case and all such cases, Caesar is only acting on behalf of God. Let us be aware as christians that we are all under obligation to pay all taxes as prescribed by law because in so doing, we are obeying God.
May God help us always to meet up both our spiritual and civil responsibilities to the glory of God, Amen.
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| Nzeakor Eugenia |
MY REFLECTION
"Why Put Me To The Test, You Hypocrites?"
Greetings brethren!
In the Gospel passage, the Pharisees entangled Jesus in His talk, hoping He would fall, in order for them to use it against Him. As it was then, so it is now. Many of us intentionally test the servants of God, seeking for ways to bring them down. Most times, they do succeed in their missions and by tempting them they end up falling. Only those with strong spirits, who have determined to stand firm in the Lord, no matter the challenges of life, overcome every trails.
Dear brethren, we gain nothing by trying to bring down the true servants of the Most High. Rather, we stand to answer for it after our lives here on earth. Let us desist from it and let us look for ways of making sure they stand firm in their calling and purpose here on earth. May God see us through, Amen 🙏
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| Ibe Francisca Tiwa |
MY REFLECTION
Even Caesar Belongs To God!
Today in our world, there has been the abuse or wrong interpretation and application of the saying, "give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God." Many have used this very statement as a justification to engage in activities which outrightly contradict their christian values, beliefs and practices.
When the Pharisees approached Jesus in today's Gospel passage, their intention was to entrap Him, but then, Jesus was well aware of their wicked plots and so, He acted wisely and disarmed them.
By teaching that the coin which had the inscription of Caesar belongs to Caesar and should be given to him, it follows also that Caesar who has been created in the image of God, belongs to God and must be given to God.
Therefore, while we carry out those responsibilities and obligations that we have towards the Caesars of our world, let us not forget that our loyalty to God must come first before anything else.
Do Not Compromise Your Loyalty To God!
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