Today, the Pharisees and the Herodians, bitter enemies, unite to trap Jesus. They try to corner Him into choosing between submission to Roman rule, as the Herodians believed was right, or opposition to it, as the Pharisees advocated. Hence the hypocrisy of those who seemingly come to ask the Teacher a question, pretending a desire for fidelity to the truth.

But thanks to this question, we have an answer from Christ that is relevant for us today: If we do not detach ourselves from money, we cannot give to God what belongs to Him. This is today’s lesson: Only if we detach ourselves from the things of this world will we be free to give ourselves to God. To Him and only to Him do we belong (give to God what is God’s).

Applied to Married Life:

Luke: It’s so difficult to be in the world without being of the world. I know it’s the path to true communion with the Lord and to living a marriage with you as God intended, but honestly, I don’t know how to detach from worldly things when I’m at work.
Lynn: I’d say you need to achieve holy indifference, which makes you free. Do what you can, placing your work in God’s hands each morning. But the outcomes should be indifferent to you. If you meet your goals, it’s by His grace, and if not, praise Him because that’s His will. When you start feeling fear, stress, or overthinking instead of praying, these are signs that you’re not free for God.
Luke: I understand, but it seems very difficult to achieve. I imagine it’s a process. To start, I need to get used to putting everything in His hands and sincerely saying, “Your will be done.”
Lynn: Exactly. Take steps, and you’ll see how the Lord helps you. By the way, I saw a lovely dress. Should I buy it?
Luke: Whatever you want.
Lynn: I don’t mind either way.
Luke: Do you need it?
Lynn: Need it, need it… not really.
Luke: Then let’s leave it, shall we?
Lynn: Sounds great. Thank you for helping me discern God’s will! I also want to be free for Him and for you.

Mother,
We belong to God. To Him be all honour and glory forever. Amen.