Today Robert could not pick us up for Holy Mass because he had a cold and was staying home. Sister Mary Claire said we must pray for him, and I hoped he was tucked in warm and resting quietly, with a cup of something hot nearby.
So Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and I walked to Church together. The morning air felt fresh, and Mini trotted ahead like she was the little leader of our procession. Every so often she looked back to see if Sister and I were coming along properly. I told her she was not the pastor of the road, but she did not seem to believe me.
At Mass, Father LeRoy read the Gospel about the Pharisees and Herodians trying to trap Jesus with their question about paying the tax to Caesar. They acted polite, but Jesus saw right through them. Father said that Jesus was not fooled by fine words when the heart was crooked underneath.
Then Father LeRoy explained the part where Jesus asked whose image was on the coin. It belonged to Caesar, so Jesus said to give Caesar what belonged to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God. Father said our coins may have an earthly ruler’s image on them, but our souls have God’s image upon them. That made me sit very still.
On the walk home, Sister Mary Claire said we must be honest in ordinary duties, but never forget that our hearts belong first to God. I thought of all the little things that belong to Him: my prayers, my obedience, my work, my love, my violin music, and even the way I treat Mini when she wants her way too much.
Mini walked proudly beside us, and I wondered if she knew that she belongs to God too, even with her short legs and serious Corgi thoughts.
Tonight I will pray for Robert to get better from his cold, and I will try to remember that God made His image in my soul. I want to give Him back what already belongs to Him.
Evening Prayer
Dear Jesus, please bless Robert tonight and help him feel better soon. Please bless Sister Mary Claire, Father LeRoy, Mini, and all of us at Camp Littlemore. Help me to give You my whole heart, because it belongs to You first of all. Keep Your holy image safe in my soul, and make me truthful, simple, and good.
Amen.
Love, Kathy
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 12:13-17
Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to ensnare him in his speech. They came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion. You do not regard a person’s status but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or should we not pay?” Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.” They brought one to him and he said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They replied to him, “Caesar’s.” So Jesus said to them, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” They were utterly amazed at him.
The Gospel of the Lord.
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