29th Sunday in Ordinary Time with Fr Joseph Ralph

"The Pharisees went away to work out between them how to trap Jesus in what he said.

And they sent their disciples to him, together with the Herodians, to say, 'Master, we know that you're an honest man and teach the way of God in an honest way, and that you are not afraid of anyone, because a man's rank means nothing to you.

Tell us your opinion, then.

Is it permissible to pay taxes to Caesar or not?' But Jesus was aware of their malice and he replied, 'You hypocrites.

Why do you set this trap for me? Let me see the money you pay the tax with.' They handed him a denarius, and he said, ' Whose head is this? Whose name?' 'Caesar's,' they replied.

He then said to them, 'Very well.

Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God.' This reply took them by surprise, and they left him alone and went away." The Gospel of the Lord.