Is. 45:1, 4-6 | Ps. 96:1, 3-5, 7-10 | 1Thes. 1:1-5 | Mt. 22:15-21

Through Isaiah, we are reminded how God has chosen Israel and brought them safely through much turmoil and trial.  God tells them that God is the Lord and there is no other.  Paul tells the Thessalonians that the Gospel he brought them was  brought through the power of the Holy Spirit.  The Pharisees, shall we say, are at it again.  They are trying their best to catch Jesus saying or doing something against the Law.  Jesus, always filled with the Spirit, surprises them when He tells them to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.  Each day we are invited to do the same.  When we live according to the Holy Spirit, we will be able to distinguish between what is God’s and what is the State’s.  

Take time today to reflect on how you handle your goods.  Do you use all of it appropriately?   Do you express gratitude as Paul did for all that is given you--people, places, things?