Jesus snares the Pharisees in their own trap in today’s gospel with his brilliant teaching to “render unto Caesar . . . . ” Their hypocrisy is revealed for all to see.

It’s not about words. I say this with humility as a professional bearer of words. The gospel doesn’t come to us in word alone, Paul declares—and he too is a primary dealer in words, written and proclaimed. Pope Benedict expresses it frankly: The Gospel is a Person.

That’s when the Pharisees plotted a way to trap him into saying something damaging. They sent their disciples, with a few of Herod’s followers mixed in, to ask, “Teacher, we know you have integrity, teach the way of God accurately, are indifferent to popular opinion, and don’t pander to your students. So tell us honestly: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

Not long ago I attended a funeral for a man who had served as a journalist for the diocesan paper for over 25 years. Kevin was all that one would hope and trust a journalist might be: inquisitive, persevering, intelligent and articulate. Usually disheveled, wearing a corduroy jacket with a camera slung over his shoulder,

In the gospel today Jesus challenges his hearers to choose to follow God above all else. Let us pray that we may make that choice.

Any day, any minute we bless God for our being or for anything, for food, for sunlight, we do and are what we were meant for, made for—things that give and mean to give God glory.