2 Peter 3:11-15,17-18
Psalm 89(90):2-4,10,14,16
Mark 12:13-17
We are created in the image and likeness of God
St. Augustine once teaches that because we have a mind and a soul, our higher purpose is to seek to know, love intentionally, and belong to the One in whose image we were created.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus is posed a political question meant to trap Him. The heated topic at the time was a census tax paid to the Roman emperor, Caesar. For many Jews, this tax constantly reminded them of their subjugation to Rome. However, the Pharisees were somewhat tolerant of collaboration with Rome and supported paying the tax. In contrast, the Herodians were more nationalistic and opposed paying it. These unlikely allies teamed up to catch Jesus:
“Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?
Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” — Mark 12:13–14
If Jesus answers “No,” the Herodians could accuse Him of rebellion against Rome. If He answers “Yes,” He could be seen as not supporting Israel. Jesus, however, chose not to answer directly. Instead, He asked them to bring Him a coin used for the tax.
Then He posed a question in return: “Whose image and inscription are on this coin?” They replied, “Caesar’s.” Jesus responded, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that belong to God.”
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 CE), one of the early Church Fathers, interpreted this Gospel story by contrasting the images involved. The inanimate coin displays the image of the current emperor, but Christians are created in the image of the living God: “The coin bears the image of the prince, but you are the coin of God—created with mind and life to know the One whose image you bear.”
St. Augustine emphasizes that because we possess a mind and a soul, our ultimate purpose is to consciously know, love, and belong to the One in whose image we were made.
During this season of Pentecost, we pray for the gifts of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, so that we can truly “know the One whose image we bear.”
Fr Joseph Osho
