Photo was taken yesterday in the Church of John The Baptist, Kinsale, Co.Cork (Irl)

Tim Cook and Heather Flanagan relax after their wedding Mass yesterday in Kinsale.

Thought on Sunday – October – 16/10/2011

The following reflection is by Jane Mellett

‘Focus on what matters’

Jesus’ opponents in today’s Gospel challenge Jesus as if they were asking for friendly advice on their taxes. It is a dangerous question because if Jesus gives a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer he risks losing popularity or being reported to the authorities. Jesus sees through these guys and delivers a brilliant response: ‘Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.’ This text has sometimes been used to argue that religion should stay out of politics, economics or culture but building a Kingdom of justice requires that we are actively involved in those things. The world we live in is one that often falls short of the values of the Kingdom that Jesus preached. To be a witness to Jesus means that all aspects of our lives should be Kingdom focused and this includes whatever political, economical or cultural issues we are confronted with. The focus in this passage is getting our priorities straight. Give Caesar his taxes but do not forget what belongs to God i.e. things that are so important we cannot compromise them, family, friends, compassion, justice….