The Gospel today shows the Pharisees trying to make trouble for Jesus by asking whether or not it was lawful to pay taxes to the emperor. They seemed to be setting a trap for him; the Pharisees opposed paying taxes to the Roman government. The Herodians, however, supported the paying of taxes to Rome. If Jesus takes either side in regard to the paying of taxes to Rome, he would be on the losing end.

Jesus responds by saying. “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s” (Mt. 22). The question is, how do we return to God what is God’s? Jesus is a perfect example of showing us what we should do. He lived his faith; he lived mercy and charity. He gave himself in a selfless manner. We give to God what is God’s when we give God our love, devotion, and faithfulness. The bottom line is that all things belong to God.