We Belong to God

“Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God,” Is the closing statement of Jesus in today’s Gospel. As Christians, should we be more concerned about worldly actions and challenges or should we be more focused on what our heavenly Father asks of us?

Let’s just say that it is no small thing not to be overwhelmed by all the things that are going on in the world today and all of the things being asked of us. It seems that the challenges come at us in new and plentiful ways every day. I woke up this morning and found myself wondering “What chapter of the Book of Revelation are we going to witness today?” Sometimes I am tempted to throw the blankets over my head and hide the whole day and night from people, news and responsibilities. But alas, we who are followers of Jesus and the Gospel are not cowards. We are called to so much more. The Letter to the Ephesians chapter 1: 17-18 says “May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts that we may know what is the hope that belongs to his call.”

“The Call”. I hear and remember the words of Jesus, “Come follow me.” Not to be coddled, not to be protected, but to be a disciple. We are called to be Christ to others. We are instructed to render unto God what belongs to God. We belong to God! Sometimes a disciple lays down his life for a friend. One is not able to do that if one lives in constant fear. Psalm 90 reminds us that “Seventy is the sum of our years, or eighty, if we are strong. Let your work be seen by your servants and your glory by their children.” Let us remember that we live not for ourselves but for the other. We live not for some selfish preoccupation but for the love of Christ.

Let us live immersed in the folds of the Holy Spirit. Let our friends and companions be the saints and the angels in heaven. Let the cost of the sacrifice of our wills be counted as nothing for the greater glory of God and the promise of eternal life. Let us live with “No Fear!”