Reflection #2: Matthew 22:15-22

A reading from Matthew, the 22nd chapter:

15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. 16 So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?" 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin used for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. 20 Then he said to them, "Whose head is this, and whose title?" 21 They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." 22 When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.

***

Family & Friends.

God & Country.

Flesh & Blood.

Mother & Father.

Brother & Sister.

Our lives are full of endless connections. We are always having to decide were our allegiances lie, and more often than not it is a very tight, narrow space that we find ourselves trapped in. However, unlike Jesus in this week's gospel, we don't often find ourselves amazing people into leaving us alone. In fact, we often create and re-create rifts between the two objects of our attention, love, affection, or interest. The list above quickly becomes:

Family OR Friends.

God OR Country.

Flesh OR Blood.

Mother OR Father.

Brother OR Sister.

What do we do when our choices seem to pit one love against another? Does one choice make us a better person? Does choosing wrong condemn us? All through our days we are faced with touch decisions about where we are going to hedge our bets, who gets our allegiance, and where we're going to send that financial support. All through our days there are outside forces trying to convince us that their cause is better than the others, that they need our support, and that our money will go further with them. So, what do we do?

This is an honest question.

There are a lot of honest answers out there, however I do not have one for you. I find myself struggling with these sorts of issues on a regular basis. I find myself torn between options, thoughts, commitments, and ideas. Every where I turn there is another choice, an other option, another adventure waiting to unfold before me. In the Gospel we hear Jesus proclaim that what is Cesar's should be given to Caesar, and what is God's should be given to God. Where does that leave us?

We are blessed children of God.

We are blessed children of God.

We are blessed children of God.

We ARE God's!

Let us pray:

God. We may not always know what to do in our lives. We may not always focus on doing your will in the world. Guide us. Teach us. Show us the path that you would have us traverse. We cannot do it of our own volition, because we always mess it up. This world would have us believe it is an either/or system and we have to divide ourselves according, but you are the creator of all, are in all, and use all, so open our eyes so that we may better see you in the world. Be with us as always, in the name of Jesus we beseech you.

Amen

Reflection #1: Philippians 4:1-9

A reading from Philippians, the 4th chapter:

1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

***

Rejoice.

Pray.

Meditate.

Give thanks.

Share.

All easier said than done. When times get tough, it is easy to forget to whom we belong, and from whom we are empowered. It is hard to lean on the creator when we see the issue with that same being: why did God let this happen, why is God making me go through this, why is God? Why, why why?

Enough!

God is with is regardless of the circumstance, and we are called to rejoice, pray, meditate and believe that God is with is throughout. That's the promise of the spirit, the work of the comforter, the job of the other who is coming--who is here! Like Paul says above, "the peach of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds."

Rest assured that God has us in the palm of God's hand, protecting us, crying with us, suffering with us.

We must rejoice in the love.

We must pray our concerns.

We must meditate on all that is good.

We must give thanks to God.

We must share the Good News... regardless!

Let us pray:

Most gracious creator God, you stand by us in all times of joy and sorrow. Found in the midst of chaos is your grace. Remind us that we are your beloved children who you love beyond measure. Pick us up when we fall down, and reset our feet as we stumble ever forth in the quest to spread the Good News... Jesus! When times get tough, push us ever forward instead of allowing us to fall back into despairing thoughts. We need you, we want you, now more than ever. Be present in our lives, and the lives of those we encounter. In the name of the sacrificial lamb, Jesus Christ. ~amen~