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Today’s Gospel offers a strong lesson on anger, resolving disputes, and giving them to God. What’s amazing is that today is also the feast day of St. Barnabas. This is so appropriate because he was a good example of calmness and kindness – qualities we can try to emulate as we reflect on this passage. St. Barnabas was an apostle in the early Church known as the ‘Son of Encouragement.’ Acts 9:26-28 and Acts 11:24-26 provide the biblical history of this saint. He was a close companion of St. Paul and traveled with him on his first missionary journey. St. Barnabas was known for his kindness, true friendship, faith, and for bridging gaps through his encouragement within the Christian community. 

So, when Barnabas and Paul argued about whether to accept a questionable person back into the fold, they were angry and parted ways. The Lord, through this confrontation, gave them the chance not only to preach mercy but also to practice it by looking past differences and seeking good in others and themselves. They also learned how hard it is to extend mercy, which kept them humble and helped open others’ hearts to God’s word. Through it all, they eventually made amends.

I once read that God does not require anyone to be “special” or “holy,” because we are already special and holy by our Baptism. For some of us, feeling special and holy is locked away, unseen and out of touch with our reality. Others aren’t quite there in their journey of faith and need more guidance. We need to strive to see specialness and holiness in ourselves and in others as God sees us. Chris Stefanick once said “We’re not a tool in God’s hands; we are his children” (paraphrase). I would add “whom He loves.” Do we treat ourselves and others through the lens of God’s love?

When love is absent or misguided, how do we correct what is wrong in our hearts and actions? Is it as simple as saying, “Jesus, I surrender myself to you. Take care of everything”? Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things for good. Sometimes our hearts, souls, and minds need realignment in order to see the good. As Catholics, we recognize the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a precious gift from God. It’s hard to express when we hurt others, but confessing and receiving God’s forgiveness helps realign our minds and hearts and brings us healing.

Just like Paul and Barnabas, we may struggle at times with disagreements and anger. We may struggle with forgiveness and mercy. But let us look to them as an example today and let go of what binds us so as to be free to accept God’s love and peace.

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El Evangelio de hoy ofrece una importante lección sobre la ira, la resolución de conflictos y el entregarlos a Dios. Lo asombroso es que hoy también se celebra la fiesta de San Bernabé. Esto es muy apropiado, ya que fue un buen ejemplo de calma y bondad, cualidades que podemos intentar emular al reflexionar sobre este pasaje. San Bernabé fue un apóstol de la Iglesia primitiva conocido como el “Hijo del Ánimo”. Los Hechos de los Apóstoles capítulos 9,26-28 y 11,24-26 nos brindan la historia bíblica de este santo. Fue un compañero cercano de San Pablo y viajó con él en su primer viaje misionero. San Bernabé era conocido por su bondad, su verdadera amistad, su fe, y por crear unión dentro de la comunidad cristiana a través de su aliento.

Así, cuando Bernabé y Pablo discutieron sobre si aceptar o no a una persona cuestionable de nuevo en la comunidad, se enojaron y se separaron. El Señor, a través de esta confrontación, les dio la oportunidad no solo de predicar la misericordia, sino también de practicarla, dejando de lado las diferencias y buscando el bien en los demás y en sí mismos. También aprendieron lo difícil que es extender la misericordia, lo que los mantuvo humildes y ayudó a abrir los corazones de otros a la palabra de Dios. A pesar de todo, finalmente se reconciliaron.

Una vez leí que Dios no exige que nadie sea “especial” o “santo”, porque ya somos especiales y santos por nuestro Bautismo. Para algunos de nosotros, el sentimiento de ser especiales y santos está oculto, invisible y alejado de nuestra realidad. Otros aún no han llegado a ese punto en su camino de fe y necesitan más orientación. Debemos esforzarnos por ver la singularidad y la santidad en nosotros mismos y en los demás, como Dios nos ve. Chris Stefanick dijo una vez: “No somos una herramienta en las manos de Dios; somos sus hijos” (paráfrasis). Yo añadiría: “a quienes Él ama”. ¿Nos tratamos a nosotros mismos y a los demás a través de la lente del amor de Dios?

Cuando el amor está ausente o mal dirigido, ¿cómo corregimos lo que está mal en nuestros corazones y acciones? ¿Es tan simple como decir: “Jesús, me entrego a ti. Encárgate de todo”? Romanos 8,28 nos recuerda que Dios obra todas las cosas para bien. A veces, nuestros corazones, almas y mentes necesitan una reorientación para poder ver el bien. Como católicos, reconocemos el Sacramento de la Reconciliación como un precioso don de Dios. A veces nos resulta difícil expresar el dolor que causamos a los demás, pero confesar nuestros pecados y recibir el perdón de Dios nos ayuda a reorientar la mente y el corazón, y nos trae sanación.

Al igual que Pablo y Bernabé, a veces podemos tener dificultades con los desacuerdos y la ira. Podemos tener dificultades para perdonar y mostrar misericordia. Pero tomemos su ejemplo hoy y liberémonos de aquello que nos ata para poder aceptar el amor y la paz de Dios.

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Marti Garcia’s passions are her retired life and growing deeper in her Catholic faith. Marti is a Sacristan/EM, facilitates small groups, and assists as a First Communion Catechist for parents. Being a parent educator and writer for 35 years, she recently published a children’s chapter book on Amazon, The Ladybugs. You can find her at her blog: MartiGarcia.org, or thewaterisshallow.com, or her cohost podcast, findingacommonthread.com, which is coming soon.

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The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

 

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“But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19).

As a father, what I practice is what I teach my little one. Before children can understand language, they simply watch and mirror the behavior modeled for them. Toddling out of babyhood, my daughter is a walking/talking mini-me of mom and dad. 

The vain parts of me are elated to see some of my mannerisms passed along to my daughter, but every now and then my daughter will use words or tones that give me pause. “Is that what I sound like? Did I really use those words?”

The wonderful and beautifully demanding aspect of parenting is that who and how we are is reflected back to us, not in a scolding or oppressive way, but in innocence. In many ways, this is the most compelling impetus for reflection and change. Contrast creates an opportunity for clarity. Children do not judge or make an abstract argument; they simply show us ourselves. 

And when I see the fruit of my formation in my little one, I think “Oh, how much more I ought to be like you, little one.”

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

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“But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19).

As a father, what I practice is what I teach my little one. Before children can understand language, they simply watch and mirror the behavior modeled for them. Toddling out of babyhood, my daughter is a walking/talking mini-me of mom and dad. 

The vain parts of me are elated to see some of my mannerisms passed along to my daughter, but every now and then my daughter will use words or tones that give me pause. “Is that what I sound like? Did I really use those words?”

The wonderful and beautifully demanding aspect of parenting is that who and how we are is reflected back to us, not in a scolding or oppressive way, but in innocence. In many ways, this is the most compelling impetus for reflection and change. Contrast creates an opportunity for clarity. Children do not judge or make an abstract argument; they simply show us ourselves. 

And when I see the fruit of my formation in my little one, I think “Oh, how much more I ought to be like you, little one.”

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

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Matthew is a student at the Catholic Psych Institute to one day provide Mentorship  – a daily service that integrates and aligns the best of the Psychological sciences with Catholic Anthropology and Spirituality. To learn more about Mentorship or read more from Matthew, join his newsletter (coming soon).

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The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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Kimberly Andrich writes from the perspective of having a hidden, chronic illness and experiencing a deep, continuous conversion through being yoked to Jesus in the day-to-day trials and joys of life. She is a wife, mother of 5, and daughter of the King. Kimberly also writes for Catholicmom.com and on fallingonhisgrace.substack.com.

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The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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Today’s Gospel passage sums up the core of our Catholic faith. As impossible as it may seem, Jesus said, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.” It was a radical teaching, causing the Jews to argue, and many gave up following Jesus. They were hearing a human being tell them to eat His flesh and drink His blood. It was incomprehensible. 

After two thousand years of teaching on the subject, those who fully believe in the Eucharist understand Jesus’s words. But His followers had no context, and they didn’t know that Jesus would give His life for their eternal life. The Apostles and other faithful disciples continued to follow Jesus without fully understanding. Still, they believed. They trusted in their Lord as we do when we take part in the Sacrifice of the Mass.  

Today is the Feast of Corpus Christi, which celebrates the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. How long does it take for us to truly believe that the Eucharist is the Body of Christ? Most children receive this gift without giving it a second thought. As young communicants, we were told that this is the Body of Christ, and, like many things that our parents tell us at a young age, we simply accepted it as true. When we got older, we may have used our newly developed scientific minds to view it as simply a representation of the Body of Christ in the form of bread and not the real deal. 

Many have struggled their whole lives to believe. As sinful humans, we tend to question everything, even the Son of God, and the validity of His Body in the Eucharist. Reread the passage. Jesus doesn’t say, “Believe in my Body and then eat it,” He just says to eat of it. “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.” No questions asked. 

And so, let us not question this command, but carry it out as obedient followers of Christ. Perhaps through their obedience, one who questions whether the Eucharist is the true Body of Christ will come to believe. May the grace we receive when going to Mass, listening to the Scriptures, and receiving the Eucharist lead us to gratefully and truly accept what Jesus has told us with His own words: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven.”

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El pasaje del Evangelio de hoy resume la esencia de nuestra fe católica. Por imposible que parezca, Jesús dijo: “El que come mi carne y bebe mi sangre, tiene vida eterna”. Fue una enseñanza radical, que provocó discusiones entre los judíos, y muchos dejaron de seguir a Jesús. Estaban escuchando a un ser humano decirles que comieran su carne y bebieran su sangre. Era incomprensible.

Después de dos mil años de enseñanza sobre el tema, quienes creen plenamente en la Eucaristía comprenden las palabras de Jesús. Pero sus seguidores no tenían contexto, y no sabían que Jesús daría su vida para darles vida eterna. Los apóstoles y otros discípulos fieles continuaron siguiendo a Jesús sin comprenderlo completamente. Aun así, creyeron. Confiaron en su Señor, como nosotros lo hacemos cuando participamos en el Sacrificio de la Misa.

Hoy es la Fiesta del Corpus Christi, que celebra la presencia real de Jesús en la Eucaristía. ¿Cuánto tiempo nos lleva creer verdaderamente que la Eucaristía es el Cuerpo de Cristo? La mayoría de los niños reciben este don sin pensarlo dos veces. De pequeños, cuando recibimos la Primera Comunión, nos dijeron que este era el Cuerpo de Cristo, y, como muchas cosas que nuestros padres nos dicen a temprana edad, simplemente lo aceptamos como verdad. Al crecer, quizás usamos nuestra mente científica, recién desarrollada, para verlo simplemente como una representación del Cuerpo de Cristo en forma de pan y no como el verdadero Cuerpo.

Muchos han luchado toda su vida para creer. Como seres humanos pecadores, tendemos a cuestionarlo todo, incluso al Hijo de Dios y la validez de su Cuerpo en la Eucaristía. Releamos el pasaje. Jesús no dice: “Crean en mi Cuerpo y luego cómanlo”, simplemente dice que lo coman. “Yo les aseguro: Si no comen la carne del Hijo del hombre y no beben su sangre, no podrán tener vida en ustedes.” Sin dejar lugar a dudas.

Por lo tanto, no cuestionemos este mandato, sino que lo cumplamos como seguidores obedientes de Cristo. Quizás, a través de su obediencia, quien cuestiona si la Eucaristía es el verdadero Cuerpo de Cristo llegue a creer. Que la gracia que recibimos al asistir a Misa, escuchar las Escrituras y recibir la Eucaristía nos lleve a aceptar con gratitud y sinceridad lo que Jesús nos ha dicho con sus propias palabras: “Yo soy el pan vivo que ha bajado del cielo”.

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Anita Renaghan is the author of several books including literary fiction, science fiction, and a young adult trilogy. She loves a good character study and has been many characters herself including: an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force, a college graduate, a second degree blackbelt, lost, a waitress and bartender, a wife and mother, an account executive, found, and a constantly inventive singer-songwriter. Anita is interested in sharing her faith with others through her writings and story characters. Her website is anitarenaghan.com

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The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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Even though my husband and I are usually spared from the stomach bugs that come into our home, one time we both succumbed to it. I woke up one morning feeling a little off. Within an hour I had thrown up. When I went into the bedroom to ask for help from my backup, I discovered he was even worse off than me. All I wanted to do was crawl back into bed for the day, but, unfortunately for me, there were kids who had to be cared for.

I plowed through the day, mustering up all the energy I could just to survive. It wasn’t pretty. The kids got too much screen time and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for dinner. I looked at the clock counting down the minutes until I could go back to bed. As soon as nighttime prayers were finished, I collapsed on my bed, relieved that my day was over. I was completely depleted. I had nothing left to give; I had given it all for my kids that day.

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear about the widow who offers her two small coins to the treasury. Her meager contribution seems like nothing compared to the large sums of the wealthy donors. To the average person, what she gave is insignificant. A few pennies won’t pay anyone’s salary, feed any mouths, or build a fancy building. A few cents doesn’t seem to matter at all.

The Lord doesn’t judge our contributions based on earthly standards. The Lord looks at hearts and judges by standards most people can’t even begin to understand. He doesn’t consider whose gift will make more of a material impact, but rather whose gift has made the greater impact on the heart of the giver. The widow “contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” Her donation meant that she wasn’t saving up for the future. She trusted completely in the Lord to provide for her tomorrow. She didn’t have much, but she gave it all in trustful surrender.

We are invited to give in this way. This means making financial donations that not only come out of our savings account, but also the kind of donation that means our lifestyle will be affected. For example choosing to buy a less expensive car than we afford, and giving away the difference. We could skip eating out or shop at a thrift store, and give back to God the money we would have spent on ourselves.

This can also be lived through our time and talent. When we are willing to say no to something we enjoy in order to volunteer, we are living like the widow. Especially on days when we don’t have the energy to serve our families, by choosing to give anyway, the Lord sees our meager donation. It may not always be pretty. It may just be watching movies and PB&J for dinner. But when we give not from our surplus, but from our poverty, the Lord recognizes the immeasurable gift we offer.

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Aunque mi esposo y yo solemos librarnos de los virus estomacales que entran en casa, una vez ambos caímos enfermos. Me desperté una mañana sintiéndome un poco mal. Dentro de una hora ya había vomitado. Cuando fui al dormitorio a pedir ayuda a mi esposo, descubrí que él estaba peor que yo. Lo único que quería era volver a la cama y quedarme allí todo el día, pero, lastimosamente, había que cuidar a los niños.

Me esforcé durante todo el día, reuniendo toda la energía que pude solo para sobrevivir. No fue fácil. Los niños vieron demasiada televisión y cenaron solo sándwiches. Miraba el reloj, contando los minutos que faltaban para poder volver a la cama. Tan pronto como terminaron las oraciones de la noche, me desplomé en la cama, aliviada de que el día hubiera terminado. Estaba completamente agotada. No me quedaba nada que dar; lo había dado todo por mis hijos ese día.

En la lectura del Evangelio de hoy, escuchamos sobre la viuda que ofrece sus dos pequeñas monedas al templo. Su modesta contribución parece insignificante en comparación con las grandes sumas de los donantes ricos. A cualquier otra persona, lo que ella dio no parece no tener importancia. Unas pocas monedas no pagarán el salario de nadie, ni alimentarán a nadie, ni construirán un edificio lujoso. Unos pocos centavos no parecen importar en absoluto.

El Señor no juzga nuestras contribuciones según los estándares terrenales. El Señor mira los corazones y juzga según estándares que la mayoría de la gente ni siquiera puede comprender. No considera qué donación tendrá un mayor impacto material, sino qué donación ha tenido un mayor impacto en el corazón del donante. La viuda “ha echado todo lo que tenía para vivir“. Su donación significaba que no estaba ahorrando para el futuro. Confiaba completamente en que el Señor proveería para ella al día siguiente. No tenía mucho, pero lo dio todo con confianza y entrega.

Estamos invitados a dar de esta manera. Esto significa hacer donaciones financieras que no sólo provengan de nuestra cuenta de ahorros, sino también el tipo de donación que afecte nuestro estilo de vida. Por ejemplo, elegir comprar un carro menos caro del que podemos permitirnos y donar la diferencia. Podríamos dejar de comer fuera o comprar en tiendas de segunda mano y devolverle a Dios el dinero que habríamos gastado en nosotros mismos.

Esto también se puede aplicar a nuestro tiempo y talentos. Cuando estamos dispuestos a renunciar a algo que disfrutamos para ofrecer nuestro tiempo como voluntarios, estamos actuando como la viuda. Especialmente en los días en que no tenemos energía para atender a nuestras familias, al elegir dar de todos modos, el Señor ve nuestra humilde ofrenda. Puede que no siempre sea algo grandioso. Quizás solo sea ver películas y cenar solo sándwiches. Pero cuando damos no de lo que nos sobra, sino de nuestra pobreza, el Señor reconoce el inmenso regalo que ofrecemos.

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The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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When I first embraced my faith twenty six years ago, I was on fire!  I am pretty sure my husband thought I’d lost my mind. Maybe I had. I was determined that everyone I knew and loved would go to Heaven and that I was personally going to get them there. The only problem was the fire in me was an all-consuming wildfire that burned up everything closest to me. I pushed too hard and achieved the opposite of the desired effect.   

As I watched my family and friends fleeing for the hills to avoid that “crazy religious lady”, I became afraid and unsure. The very people I cared most about and wanted to embrace and carry to God were instead charred and covered with ashes.  Everything Catholic became a plague for them to avoid. I worried constantly about what my family and friends thought of anything I said or did and that it would send them fleeing past the hills, deeper into the forest and lost forever. Consequently, I tapered down my flame and did my own hiding under a bushel basket. Have you ever experienced this? 

“You are the light of the world…set on a lampstand… your light must shine before others…”

Scripture says to “shine,” not to become an all-consuming wildfire that turns everything around it to ash. A lamp on a stand is stable. Still. Flickering, but still. Not chasing or consuming, but simply there, inviting others in. This is what I want. Simply to be. To be still and stable in my faith.  To show others what I am in the love of Jesus. I am required only to be myself displaying the light of Christ to others. They must decide for themselves if they will turn toward this light or turn away from it.   

“…that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

Rekindling my flame to shine rather than consume, I made the decision to no longer chase people down. Practicing virtues, especially patience and humility, have helped train me to detach from others’ opinions and their response to me. I now focus on seeking to please Jesus alone and ensuring my light is real. Authentic. Vulnerable. I pray that through my deeds this light will radiate for others to see the glory of God. And not only to see the light, but become attracted to Him.  

I invite you to examine your light today. Do you shine an inviting light of joy? Or is it dim and depressing? Or are you like me in my early days, a scary wildfire? Is your light hidden under a bushel basket? What virtue can help you be the light on the lampstand attracting others to God?

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Cuando abracé mi fe por primera vez hace veintiséis años, ¡estaba super ferviente! Estoy segura de que mi esposo pensó que me había vuelto loca. Quizás sí. Estaba decidida a que todos mis conocidos y seres queridos fueran al Cielo y que yo, personalmente, los llevaría allí. El único problema era que el fuego que ardía en mí era un incendio que consumía todo en su camino. Presioné demasiado y logré el efecto contrario al deseado.

Mientras veía a mi familia y amigos huyendo despavoridos para evitar a esa “loca religiosa”, me sentí asustada e insegura. Las mismas personas que más me importaban y a quienes quería abrazar y llevar a Dios, en cambio, quedaron carbonizadas y cubiertas de ceniza. Todo lo católico se convirtió en una plaga que debían evitar. Me preocupaba constantemente lo que mi familia y amigos pensaran de cualquier cosa que dijera o hiciera, y que eso los hiciera huir aún más lejos, adentrándose en el bosque y perdiéndose para siempre. En consecuencia, apagué mi llama y me escondí bajo una canasta. ¿Alguna vez te ha pasado algo semejante?

“Ustedes son la luz del mundo… se pone sobre un candelero… brille la luz de ustedes ante los hombres…”

La Escritura dice que debemos “brillar”, no convertirnos en un incendio que consume todo a su alrededor. Una lámpara sobre un candelero es estable. Quieta. Parpadeante, pero quieta. No persigue ni consume, sino que simplemente está allí, invitando a los demás. Esto es lo que quiero. Simplemente ser. Ser firme y estable en mi fe. Mostrar a los demás quién soy en el amor de Jesús. Sólo debo ser yo misma, mostrando la luz de Cristo a los demás. Ellos deben decidir por sí mismos si se acercarán a esta luz o se alejarán de ella.

“…para que viendo las buenas obras que ustedes hacen, den gloria a su Padre, que está en los cielos.”

Reavivando mi llama para brillar en lugar de consumir, tomé la decisión de dejar de perseguir a la gente. Practicar las virtudes, especialmente la paciencia y la humildad, me ha ayudado a desapegarme de las opiniones de los demás y de su reacción hacia mí. Ahora me concentro en agradar solo a Jesús y en asegurarme de que mi luz sea real. Auténtica. Vulnerable. Oro para que, a través de mis acciones, esta luz irradie para que otros vean la gloria de Dios. Y no solo para que vean la luz, sino para que se sientan atraídos por Él.

Te invito a examinar tu luz hoy. ¿Irradias una luz de alegría que invita a los demás? ¿O es tenue y deprimente? ¿O eres como yo en mis primeros tiempos, una fuerza arrolladora e incontrolable? ¿Está tu luz escondida bajo una canasta? ¿Qué virtud puede ayudarte a ser la luz que brille sobre un candelero, atrayendo a otros hacia Dios?

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Margaret Gartlgruber longs to help women trade guilt for grace and know: You are enough! God delights not in your accomplishments but in YOU simply being you! Mom, wife, author, blogger, speaker, lay RC member, Margaret has published chapters in books: Cloud of Witnesses – St. Monica, and Crowned with Grace – Our Lady of Fatima. Read her blog: https://ruledbybananas.com/ and get free 15 Simple Morning Prayers.

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The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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David Dashiell is a freelance author, editor, and publisher in Hawaii. He has three children, a degree in theology, and enjoys writing poetry and discussing philosophy, culture, music, theology, and comedy. You can find his poetry blog, Poems at Twilight, on Substack, his publishing company, Ether Press, here, and his personal website here.

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The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

 

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My oldest daughter is a talented artist. She loves to paint, and her pictures are never complete until she signs them at the bottom. Every piece of art she creates can be clearly identified as hers because it bears her identifying mark. In today’s Gospel, we hear about a coin that bears the identifying mark of its creator, Caesar.

The Pharisees and Herodians approach Jesus with the intent to trap Him. They asked Him about paying the tax to Caesar, thinking there was no way out for Him. If Jesus said yes, pay the tax, He would have offended the Israelites. They resented the Roman occupation, and if Jesus claimed the tax was valid, they would view him as a traitor. This would in essence diminish His popularity among His own people. If, on the other hand, Jesus said no, don’t pay the tax, the Pharisees and Herodians could report Him to the Roman authorities for rebellion. Refusal to pay taxes would be grounds for arrest. In their minds, this was the perfect question to pose to Jesus. Regardless of how He answered, He would be offending some important people.

Jesus answered in a way that they never saw coming. He didn’t see it as an either/or question. Jesus responded by asking to see a denarius, and inquiring whose image was on it. When they replied that it was Caesar’s, Jesus told them to “repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesarand to God what belongs to God” (Mark 12:17). Caesar’s likeness is on the coin, just like my daughter’s signature is on her artwork. He has claimed his ownership and authority over the coin. Caesar created the coins and instilled upon them his own image and likeness. Caesar’s authority is of this world and his image proves the coins belong to him. Therefore the question of paying the tax is neither blaspheming God nor rejecting Roman rule. It is simply a matter that concerns the material world.

The matters of the spiritual world, what belongs to God, are a different situation. God has created each one of us in the image and likeness of God. That means that each one of us bears the likeness of the Almighty God in our very selves. All we have to do is look in the mirror to see His likeness reflected back to us.

Jesus is therefore telling us that what belongs to God is our entire being – our heart, mind, soul, and strength. There is nothing of ourselves that we should refrain from repaying to God, for it all belongs to Him.

The likeness of the empire’s ruler is imprinted on a coin, a symbol of the material. The likeness of the universe’s ruler is imprinted in each one of us. We are to give each only and exactly what they are due.

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Mi hija mayor es una artista dotada. Le encanta pintar, y sus cuadros nunca están completos hasta que los firma en la parte inferior. Cada obra de arte que crea se puede identificar claramente como suya porque lleva su marca identificativa. En el Evangelio de hoy, escuchamos sobre una moneda que lleva la marca identificativa de su creador, César.

Los fariseos y herodianos se acercaron a Jesús con la intención de tenderle una trampa. Le preguntaron sobre pagar el impuesto al César, pensando que no tenía escapatoria. Si Jesús hubiera dicho que sí, que pagara el impuesto, habría ofendido a los israelitas. Estaban resentidos con la ocupación romana, y si Jesús afirmaba que el impuesto era válido, lo considerarían un traidor. Esto, en esencia, disminuiría su popularidad entre su propio pueblo. Si, por otro lado, Jesús hubiera dicho que no, que no pagara el impuesto, los fariseos y herodianos podrían denunciarlo a las autoridades romanas por rebelión. Negarse a pagar los impuestos sería motivo para arrestarlo. Para ellos, esta era la pregunta perfecta para hacerle a Jesús. Independientemente de cómo respondiera, estaría ofendiendo a algunas personas importantes.

Jesús respondió de una manera que ellos nunca imaginaron. No lo vio como una cuestión de una u otra. Jesús respondió pidiendo ver un denario y preguntando de quién era la imagen. Cuando respondieron que era del César, Jesús les dijo: “Den al César lo que es del César, y a Dios lo que es de Dios” (Marcos 12,17). La imagen del César está en la moneda, al igual que la firma de mi hija está en su obra de arte. Él ha reclamado su propiedad y autoridad sobre la moneda. César creó las monedas y les inculcó su propia imagen y semejanza. La autoridad del César es de este mundo y su imagen comprueba que las monedas le pertenecen. Por lo tanto, la cuestión de pagar el impuesto no es blasfemar contra Dios ni rechazar el dominio romano. Es simplemente un asunto que concierne al mundo material.

Los asuntos del mundo espiritual, lo que pertenece a Dios, son una situación diferente. Dios nos ha creado a cada uno de nosotros a imagen y semejanza de Dios. Eso significa que cada uno de nosotros lleva la imagen del Dios Todopoderoso en nosotros mismos. Basta con mirarnos al espejo para ver su imagen reflejada en nosotros.

Por lo tanto, Jesús nos dice que lo que pertenece a Dios es todo nuestro ser: nuestro corazón, mente, alma y fuerza. No hay nada de nosotros que debamos abstenernos de devolver a Dios, pues todo le pertenece.

La imagen del gobernante del imperio está impresa en una moneda, símbolo de lo material. La imagen del gobernante del universo está impresa en cada uno de nosotros. Debemos dar a cada uno solo y exactamente lo que le corresponde.

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The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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Imagine being given a vineyard. A hedge around the vineyard delineates clear boundaries.  A wine press has already been dug. There is a tower that guards and protects. Everything has been intentionally designed to simply harvest good fruit. The only expectation? That the fruits of the labor are shared. All in all, it appears to be a very good gift. 

How jarring then to hear in Mark’s Gospel account of the wicked tenants’ response to a gift just like this. Unwilling to offer a portion of their fruit, the tenants’ actions are marked by greed and violence. The story doesn’t end well for them. The owner of the vineyard puts these wicked tenants to death and gives their vineyard to others.

Though the parable was told to the chief priests, scribes, and elders who stood before him, Jesus also speaks to us. It is we, through our Baptism, who are the chosen people, the people to whom the vineyard is both gifted and entrusted. 

What do we do with such a gift? A vineyard requires much work. Vines must be tamed and trained; soil must be kept healthy; maturing fruit monitored and grapes harvested at the right time; plus, there is always the process of pressing. If the work seems daunting, recall that the setting has been perfectly and divinely designed. 

There is a hedge to help us focus: we are only responsible for cultivating what is inside our hedge. The wine press is built from our tools, skills, and gifts. This eases the work and helps us to live in discipline and community. And there is our tower. God himself guards our vineyard, watching over us, ensuring security. We are safe to labor and produce.  

Each of us provides a unique contribution to the Lord’s vintage, where the fruit of our labor turns into something good and fragrant and flavorful to be shared. The vineyard is always intended to bear fruit for God. 

So may we stay attentive to how, knowingly or unknowingly, we might reject the Lord’s servants, thus rejecting the Lord. Unlike the wicked tenants, let us not close the vineyards of our life off from the world, for they are meant to pour forth offerings of life and spirit and goodness. Channeling the gifts of the vineyard allows us a share in His inheritance, the inheritance that will one day be ours, too.

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Imagina que te regalan una viña. Un seto la rodea, delimitando claramente sus límites. Ya se ha excavado un lagar. Hay una torre que la vigila y protege. Todo ha sido diseñado intencionalmente para cosechar buenos frutos. ¿La única condición? Que los frutos del trabajo se compartan. En definitiva, parece un regalo maravilloso.

Qué impactante resulta, entonces, escuchar en el Evangelio de Marcos la respuesta de los malvados labradores a un regalo como este. Al negar ofrecer una parte de sus frutos, sus acciones están marcadas por la avaricia y la violencia. La historia no termina bien para ellos. El dueño de la viña da muerte a estos malvados labradores y entrega la viña a otros.

Aunque la parábola fue contada a los sumos sacerdotes, escribas y ancianos que estaban ante él, Jesús también nos habla a nosotros. Somos nosotros, a través de nuestro Bautismo, el pueblo elegido, el pueblo al que se le ha regalado y confiado la viña.

¿Qué hacemos con semejante regalo? Una viña requiere mucho trabajo. Las vides deben ser cuidadas y podadas; la tierra debe mantenerse sana; los frutos deben ser vigilados y las uvas cosechadas en el momento adecuado; además, siempre está el proceso de la vendimia. Si el trabajo parece abrumador, recordemos que el entorno ha sido diseñado perfecta y divinamente.

Hay un seto que nos ayuda a concentrarnos: sólo somos responsables de cultivar lo que está dentro de nuestro seto. El lagar está construido con nuestras herramientas, habilidades y dones. Esto facilita el trabajo y nos ayuda a vivir con disciplina y en comunidad. Y luego tenemos una torre. Dios mismo guarda nuestra viña, velando por nosotros, garantizando nuestra seguridad. Podemos trabajar y producir con tranquilidad.

Cada uno de nosotros aporta una contribución única a la cosecha del Señor, donde el fruto de nuestro trabajo se convierte en algo bueno, fragante y sabroso para ser compartido. La viña siempre está destinada a dar fruto para Dios.

Que estemos atentos a cómo, consciente o inconscientemente, podríamos rechazar a los siervos del Señor, rechazando así al Señor mismo. A diferencia de los malvados labradores, no cerremos las viñas de nuestra vida al mundo, pues están destinadas a ofrecer frutos de vida, espíritu y bondad. Canalizar los dones de la viña nos permite participar de su herencia, herencia que un día también será la nuestra.

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Raine Pyne is a longtime public school educator. She is married to Greg, who is also an educator. They have five sons, three dogs, and one cat, plus hundreds of adolescent students and countless stacks of books. Raine is a former parish catechist and women’s retreat leader. She is a student at the Theology of the Body Institute and a member of the Word on Fire Institute’s Writing Community. She is passionate about learning, language, and the ever deepening journey of faith.

Feature Image Credit: Unknown, https://art.diocesan.com/stock-photo/grape-gatherers-12172/

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.