Whose image is in your heart?

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Today’s gospel reading (Mark 12:13-17) Jesus tells us, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." The Pharisees are trying to trap Jesus with the question of paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus was very wise in His answer. Agreeing to pay taxes in this time meant that one was aligning with that ruler. The coins had the image of the ruler that they belonged too. Since Caesar’s picture was on the coin, then they belonged to Caesar. But whose image is in your heart? Is it God’s image or is the image of some earthly item? God created us, God knew us before we were in the womb, therefore, we belong solely to God. I think that the greatest gift that God has given to each of us is the gift of life. This is a gift that only God can give. Therefore, this life belongs to God. Our life is the greatest thing that we can give back to God. There is nothing more precious then the sacramental commitment of our life to Jesus Christ. We should acknowledge daily that our life belongs to Him, the Creator of Heaven and all things on earth. We are called to be a living sacrifice to God in Heaven. Render to Caesar the thing’s that are Caesar’s but give to God the things that are His. When you get up in the morning, cry out to God that you are His to do as He pleases. Cry out to God that you are His servant and His sacrifice. It is your choice, do you give your life to Christ or do you give it to Caesar?

A Simple Prayer Most Heavenly Father, You created me and you own me. My soul is yours. You gave your only Son to save us from our sins. Please give me the strength to sacrifice my life for you.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon