WEDNESDAY, August 17

Mark 12:13-27. Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s and to God the things that are God’s.

The Pharisees, who stressed Jewish purity and separation from everything unclean, joined forces with the Herodians, who supported the Romans who were occupying Judea. This was an unlikely alliance united only by their opposition to Jesus. They tried to trap him with a question about his authority. Their question was about paying Roman taxes with Roman coins to the Roman emperor.

Jesus sidestepped the trap. The coin had the emperor’s image on it, along with his title claiming divine status. It was idolatrous and blasphemous and certainly had no place in the temple. Give it back to the emperor! But give to God the things that belong to God.

What are these things that belong to God? Genesis 1:26 says that humankind is made in the image and likeness of God. Through baptism Christians are stamped with the name of Jesus. We belong to God—and are asked to live accordingly. How? By honoring and respecting that image of God in each other, by seeing the good in all of creation and by being a source of blessing to it. In other words, by being “co-creators” with God in the world God gives us.

PRAY for the Diocese of Rockhampton (Queensland, Australia)

Ps 119:145-176 * 128, 129, 130; 2 Samuel 18:19-33; Acts 23:23-35

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
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I Was Made A Christian At My Baptism

Aug 17, 2011 at 6:39 am

Written by emeline,

We are all God's creatures, made in His image and likeness. At Baptism we were presented to Him in the presence of His family, the Body of Christ. We recognize Him for who He is, the God and Father of us all. So then, we, along with all the creatures, belong to God. Let us praise and thank Him, always!

...

Aug 17, 2011 at 7:24 am

Written by Mary kier,

Thankyou as always for your stirring meditation. I love that we should look for the image of God in others. Before I go to sleep every night when I pray for loved ones and others I concentrate hard on their face when they are smiling and light seems to eminate from them.
I try to picture their true selves. Some are easier than others. I find those who work on their relationship with God just pop into my head. The more difficult people in my life ( who I may need to keep a distance from) appear flat, without joy. It is an interesting way of praying for people that I stumbled upon. It also helps to drift off into a relaxed sleep!

Meditiation are a gift

Aug 17, 2011 at 7:55 am

Written by Merry,

I agree with Mary's comment "...another stirring meditation." This month’s writer’s grasp of history, from biblical times to the present, grounds the daily devotionals in a reality that gives both depth and breadth to our faith. I find myself rereading each day’s lesson, which opens up new dimensions of my spiritual life and of ways to live with others in the world. The clarity of writing and the wisdom of the messages are truly inspiring – a gift each morning.

...

Aug 17, 2011 at 11:55 am

Written by E.Linda Cushner,

I once heard a priest refer to things that are not of the Lord as "unclean" as did the pharisees. It seems that the meaning of the word is still the same. Today, I will ask Jesus to show me what is unclean in my life; what keeps me from receiving His full blessings or "the abundant life." What are the idols or thoughts or habits or desires that are unclean in my life. What are the unclean spirits that affect my life? I believe that this is a hard thing to do. It is hard to give up worldly things. As ST. Paul says, it can only be done through Christ. Still, it is difficult.

Thanks for the comments!

Aug 17, 2011 at 6:32 pm

Written by Patrick,

I thank God for this daily meditationl and for those who comment and add deeper layers and thoughts. You all give this daily meditation life!

Thank you Emiline, E.Linda Cushner, Merry, and Mary Kier!

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