"Master," they said, "is it lawful to pay tax to Caesar or not?"

The question was a well-laid trap because if Jesus said "Yes," the people would hate Him. Nobody likes to pay taxes, let alone to a foreign power occupying their homeland.

* * *

On the other hand, if He said, "No," the Pharisees would report Him to the Roman government as a revolutionary and seditionist. The Romans then might arrest and imprison Jesus.

But Jesus outwits the Pharisees and gives an answer that goes beyond their question. He insists that they not only give to Caesar what is his, but also give to God what belongs to him.

* * *

We Christians have a dual citizenship. We are citizens of two worlds — citizens of this world and citizens of heaven.

As such we have obligations toward each, which we must respect and honor. When Jesus speaks of "Caesar," He is referring to civil authority. St. Paul tells the Christians during his time, "Obey (civil) authorities. Pay them your personal and property taxes, and show respect (to them)." (Romans 13:1,7).

* * *

But what does Jesus mean when He says, "Give to God what is God’s?" We owe to God praise and thanksgiving, honor and glory. We owe to God filial love and adoration because He is the Creator of the whole world. He created us with the mysterious cooperation of our parents. He created our body and our soul.

* * *

God constantly sustains our life, feeding us, giving us water to drink and air to breathe. What would happen if God stopped giving us air! He gives us talents with which we excel in life. For instance, the blessing of beauty as in the new Miss International Lara Quigaman, the gift of a boxing prowess as in Manny Pacquiao and two other Filipino champions.

Let’s not overlook extraordinary talents in business, speaking, singing which we exploit and cash on.

* * *

For all this we should be grateful to God. And as a token of gratitude, we should share our blessings with the less fortunate and return to God a portion of our "first fruits." In the Bible this is expressed concretely in the practice of "tithing" (returning 10 percent of our income to God).

There’s a funny story about a parish priest asking his parishioner to help support the Lord’s work. So one day he challenged him with some direct questions. "If you had two farms," he asked, "would you be willing to give one to God?" "Why, certainly!" replied the man. "I only wish I were in a position to do so."

* * *

Then the priest asked this pointed question: "If you have two pigs, would you give one to the church?" The farmer hesitated for a moment and then blurted out, "Ahh, that’s different, Father. You know I’ve got two pigs at home!"

* * *

Giving generously is easy in words. But when you give from your own little resource, it’s difficult. As the Lord has blessed us one way or another, let’s offer a portion to Him out of gratitude — not grudgingly.

Remember, "God loves a cheerful giver!" (2 Corinthians 9:7)

* * *

FAMILY TV MASS — is aired on IBC 13 at 9-10 a.m. every Sunday. Sponsor for this Sunday is: RUSTAN’S SUPERMARKET, Cubao.

Donations and sponsorships to maintain our TV ministry are most welcome.

For inquiries, call tel: 726-5002 (04). E-mail: belsvd@skyinet.net.

* * *

APPEAL. Speaking of sharing our blessings with the less fortunate, may I make this personal appeal to our readers to help alleviate the suffering of Mr. Dante CABANSAG, 49, from Calumpit, Bulacan who has Chronic Renal Failure Secondary to Obstructive Uropathy.

* * *

He has been undergoing weekly hemodialysis at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute.

* * *

May I appeal to Good Samaritans. Have a heart. Send financial help of any amount payable to me, Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD, and I will forward the amount to the family. My address: Christ the King Seminary, 1101 E. Rodriguez Blvd., Quezon City.

For inquiries, call tel: 726-5002 (04).