October 16

St. Hedwig and St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

Then the Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech. They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone's opinion, for you do not regard a person's status. Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?" Knowing their malice, Jesus said, "Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin that pays the census tax." Then they handed him the Roman coin. He said to them, "Whose image is this and whose inscription?" They replied, "Caesar's." At that he said to them, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God" (Matthew 22: 15-21).

God is our creator and we would not exist without Him. Our personality, family, talents … are all gifts from Him. Thinking everything is our own is a lie, while recognizing that everything we are is a gift from God is the truth. When we make the sign of the Cross is a reminder that we should offer God our whole selves.

Lord, every time I make the sign of the Cross I acknowledge that You are my God.

Impact Sports: Do I offer up my fears of injury to God?

Impact Life: Do I refuse to cheat in anything?