Holy Family Church- Latrobe recently issued the following announcement.

In Christ's own life-time someone in Galilee had led a revolt against this tax. When they had to suppress this rebellion, they crucified him along with his collaborators. Jesus would have got the same brutal treatment if He'd denounced such an unpopular tax. His enemies thought that however Jesus replied to this question about paying the tax He would condemn Himself. 

Jesus gave an enigmatic answer to the question about paying the Roman tax. He replied “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” Jesus simply states what is owed to Caesar, who represents all secular authorities. 

Though, our true home is in heaven, as St. Paul tells us (Phil.3.20), we are also citizens of the world. We have a duty to respect the government of the country in which we live, our final loyalty is to God. Where's there's a clash over the demands made on us God's will must always come first. 

 - Kirstin Essig