Go and Proclaim : “Obey God and Obey His Delegated Authority”
First Reading: Isaiah 45: 1-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1: 1-10
Gospel Reading: Matthew 22:15-22
Homily by Fr. Romie- Jun Peñalosa
In today’s Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Fr. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminds us that we should give to God what belongs to Him.
The first reading speaks about God’s authority in our lives. God can use the wicked to fulfill His plans and purpose because God is never limited. He knows us inside out, and He already knew us from the beginning of time.
The second reading tells us that we are God’s chosen people. “We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be His own people.” (1 Thessalonians 1:4). As God’s people, if you receive the Word of God, it will bless our lives. But when we reject it, it will not be good for us.
The Gospel speaks about the Pharisees and Herodians asking a trick question to Jesus about His stand on paying taxes to Ceasar, a Roman emperor. They wanted Jesus to respond in a certain manner to trap Him, and whether His response was yes or no, He will still likely get into trouble. However, Jesus responded to them in an unexpected way. But He first called them out as hypocrites, for they were praising Jesus in the beginning with the intention of giving Him a question that could destroy Him.
The Gospel is teaching us that we should not test God and we should not fool Him. If you try to test or fool God, it will always backfire on you.
When we wake up early in the morning, looking at our reflection, who do you see. Every time we see our reflection, may we be reminded that we are created in His image and likeness (Genesis 1: 27). Our coins have faces of man, and we give to them what is due – like paying our bills, taxes, and our earthly responsibilities that involve money.
But we ourselves are made for God and therefore, we belong to Him. We are to give our love, life, fidelity, and obedience to God. Whether we act accordingly or reject this truth, the consequences will be shown in our lives. We would either be filled with God’s blessings, or our lives would be filled with negativity. Our answer to this self-reflective question will define our lives.
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