In today’s passage of the Holy Gospel, we hear about the Pharisees once again trying to trip up Jesus. They pose a question that they think He will stumble on. Jesus outsmarts them. The question had to do with what do we owe the government and what do we owe to God. Jesus gives that often quoted statement, “Render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” The story encourages us to be good citizens of both earth and heaven! It is the duty of all of us as Christians to pay for the services and the privileges that government provides, like paved roads, police and fire departments, banks, schools and other necessities. If we refuse to pay taxes, how will these needs be fulfilled? Another way of “giving to Caesar what is Caesar’s” is to participate actively in the running of the government, electing the most suitable candidates and influencing them through frequent contacts. This is our responsibility. The internet and email make this so easy, BUT we have to take the time to do it so that our voice is heard. Obviously, we must respect the laws of our country in order to live in peace. As loyal citizens we must also see to it that our elected representatives are faithful in maintaining law and order in the country and in promoting the welfare of all of its citizens. The other side of this coin is “Giving to God what is God’s.” How? Since EVERYTHING IS GOD’S, we must give ourselves to Him 100%, not just 10% on Sundays. By birth we become the citizens of the country of our birth, and by baptism we become the “citizens of heaven.” In every age, we as Christians are faced with balancing the demands of” Caesar” with the commands of God. Jesus’ answer forms the guiding principle in solving the problems that arise from our dual citizenship, belonging to God and to our country. Dr. Madison Sarratt taught Mathematics at Vanderbilt University for many years. Before giving a test, the professor would admonish his class, “Today I am giving two examinations—one in trigonometry and the other in honesty. I hope you will pass them both fulfilling your obligations to your teacher and to your God. If you fail, fail for trigonometry. There are many good people in the world who can’t pass trigonometry, but there are not many people in the world who cannot pass the examination of honesty the debt we owe to God.” GOSPEL QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What does “For God and country” mean to you?