October 17, 2002

Vatican II effect most evident in the liturgy

The revolution continues

Archdiocesan school board hears Skagit Valley concerns

Balancing work and play gets 'Coach' to 100

Nominations sought for CCS humanitarian award

SU awarded large grant to 'sustain pastoral excellence'

Fr. Ron Rolheiser on "The Eucharist as touch"

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Religious Education: Longing for Faith

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For full coverage of all the fun in the Kids Chronicle section, read the paper version of The Catholic Northwest Progress.  There you will find many fun activities, such as a Bible Story, Spotlight on Saints, Bible Trivia, Puzzles, Bible Accent, and Kids' Club. Don't miss the fun! Subscribe now!

The following material for children coincides with the readings for
Sunday, Oct. 20, 2002.

Trying to Trick Jesus

By Joe Sarnicola

There were Pharisees who were angry about some things Jesus was saying about them. Although they had not yet found a way to use the law to stop him from teaching and preaching, they hoped they would soon be able to trick him into saying something they could punish him for. They called a meeting and came up with a plan. They would send some of their members, along with those loyal to Herod, to hear Jesus the next time he stopped to preach.

After a few days, word spread that Jesus would be speaking to the people from a meadow outside the city. These Pharisees instructed their spies to go and listen, and to speak when there was an opportunity.

One of the spies stood up to inquire whether he could ask a question. Jesus smiled and nodded. Then the man said, "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."

The man withdrew a coin and held it up. "Tell us, then, what is your opinion? Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?"

Jesus knew immediately that the man was trying to trap him with his own words. If Jesus said that they did not have to pay taxes, there could be trouble for everyone. So Jesus answered: "Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin that pays the census tax."

The man walked through the crowd to Jesus, and he handed him the coin. Jesus held the coin up. The people there knew what Jesus was holding, even though it was too small to be seen by everyone.

"Whose image is this and whose inscription?" Jesus asked.

"Caesar's," they all replied.

Jesus looked at the man who had asked the question and said, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar." Jesus finished his sentence by addressing everyone, saying, "and to God what is God's."

The spies were amazed by Jesus' wisdom and intelligence. There was nothing more they could say or do that day, so they returned to their homes.

Read More About It:

Matthew 22 Q&A

1. Why were the spies sent to hear Jesus?

2. What did Jesus say about the coin?

Puzzle:   --see the paper version of The Catholic Northwest Progress

Answers: 1. F; 2. T; 3. F; 4. T; 5. T; 6. F.

For more fun, see the paper version of The Catholic Northwest Progress for Bible accent, Spotlight on saints, and Kids’ Club.

Content for this page is courtesy of The Catholic Courier, Newspaper for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, New York.