The love command is the guts of Catholic morality. Church practices and rules are there to help us avoid everything that is opposed to the “love command.” Sin in our lives is when we do not live up to our baptismal commitment, to our discipleship witness of loving God and our neighbor. In the Gospel account, the Pharisees understanding of what truth is could be found only in a multitude of laws. The Gospel affirms the witness of a God of love and a God of hope. The joy of the Gospel is discovered when we share the merciful love of Jesus with one another.
Family was Barbara’s life. She was her happiest when she was with family and the home was full. This is all she really ever needed or wanted. She and her husband Thomas met at age 16 and had 66 beautiful years of marriage. They became parishioners of St. Joseph’s Church in 1975 when they moved here from Baldwin, NY. Barbara and Thomas cared deeply for the elderly in their community. She would call on the elderly and make them dinners.
Ed was an usher at the west side entrance of St. Joseph’s. He and his wife Kathy (married 53 years) were parishioners for over 40 years. Nothing brought Ed greater joy than spending time with his sons and their families. He enjoyed coaching Penfield Little League, and watching the Yankees and Notre Dame football. He was a member of Penfield Country Club for over 40 years.
Ultimately, we belong to God and the service and love of God’s people is the source of meaning and happiness in our lives. Moreover, all of God’s creation bears the image of God. Our care for our environment, our stewardship of the earth is giving back to God what belongs to God. Even though none of us enjoy paying taxes, in the big picture, giving to Caesar what is Caesar’s is not the demanding component of today’s Gospel. Where we are challenged is: Giving to God what is God’s. God does not want taxes. He does not need your vote and He does not need you to take up arms in His defense. But God does deserve your heart and conscience. These should never be given to a human institution or even to a human relationship. Your greatest love, your greatest loyalty belongs to God. The Roman coin was stamped with the image of Caesar. The human heart is stamped with the image of God. We are made in His image and likeness. Perhaps, the question is, “Shall we, can we, and do we give to God what is God’s?”
During the first week of each month, Phillip the Van collects non-perishable foods to share with our Foodlink partners in downtown Rochester as well as Penfield Hope. For many years, we have delivered to Bethany House, Dimitri House, Sr. Regis Food Cupboard, and St. Andrews. Please drop off your donations at the west entrance to Church any day before 5:00pm, on the back pew. Thank you for your generosity!