St. Bede-St. Denis Parish Home

Dear brothers and sisters,

 

As I reflected these past few days, one thought kept coming back to me: “Power is not only a master for the powerful.” The desire to control and dominate others can also take root in the everyday lives of ordinary people, creating bonds that are not easy to break. Even in small matters, we can find ourselves bound by past obligations or by the need to maintain an image that keeps us from being truly free.

 

To the amazement of those around him, Jesus showed his radical freedom in his dealings with others by distinguishing what belonged to Caesar from what belonged to God. He sought neither social prestige nor the approval of others. He had no need to protect his image or seek privileges and favors that create debts and dependencies. Whoever belongs to God owes others nothing but love. Jesus proclaimed that God is independent of any Caesar, however powerful he may be. He continues to ask his followers to remain free from the bonds created by pride, greed, envy, or the pretense of trying to look good in others' eyes.

 

The God whom Jesus reveals to us does not oppose paying taxes to Caesar, because his power lies in something far greater. His power consists in loving and forgiving to the very end. He saves through humility and acceptance of the pain present in human life, not through self‐importance or grand displays. He inspires no fear or dread. He wants us to call him Father and speak to him with the trust of his children.

 

“Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God.” The more we can influence others' lives through our personal and professional roles, the more important it becomes to return to this teaching of Jesus, so we don't confuse God’s will with the compromises and arrangements that sometimes become part of our lives.

 

Have a blessed Sunday!

 

 

20261018