Today we honor St Boniface, a martyr in the 8th century when the church was still fairly young and being a Christian still carried many risks. A man of consistent faith, St Boniface has been described as a “zealous servant of the Gospel.” Having converted many German tribes, he founded and restored many dioceses in middle Europe. St. Boniface was killed by pagans while preaching to the Frisians, German tribe. In the style of St. Paul, he wrote many letters to relatives and friends that revealed his fears, fatigue and never-ending trust in God. He was determined to serve Christ in spite of the risks to his very being. The following are excerpts of one of those letters:
I love the Lord for he has heard
the cry of my appeal;
for he turned his ear to me
in the day when I called him.…
How gracious is the Lord, and just;
our God has compassion.
the Lord protects the simple hearts;
I was helpless so he saved me.…
I will walk in the presence of the Lord
in the land of the living.
His writings, his actions, his entire life was focused upon repaying what belongs to God – a central theme is today’s readings.
The theme of separating aspects of our lives and the “masters” of our lives is most evident in today’s Gospel. On the surface, this message may seem quite simple yet there are layers of complexity. Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. It is easier in some ways to determine what is Caesar’s but sometimes understanding the breadth of what is God’s can be a challenge. As a youngster hearing this gospel, I always thought we were talking about money and paying our way appropriately, that there is a separation of Church and state. Yet, the responsibility for each of us goes beyond such a separation of Church and state. No doubt, we pay taxes and other types of fees for governmental services. In turn we have protection and some basic human needs met.
What is it, then, that God gives to us and how do we pay for “those services and protection.” It was in reading and re-reading many times the story of Tobit and Psalm 112 that I came to the realization of what an awesome responsibility we have to “repay” what belongs to God. The responsorial psalm is explicit in the rewards for those who believe and fear the Lord. It leaves little doubt of the expectations for us all of the everlasting rewards. The challenge lies what we must do, “delight in His commands,” have a “firm, trusting heart,” “be steadfast,” and “lavishly give to the poor.” Are we willing to do this – not just sometimes but always? While we would probably have little hesitation in giving a positive response, the actually living of it is different indeed.
So … to give to God what is His, the simple truth is we must give our heart and soul, we must serve Him through others, and trust in him always. In the long run, the giving of the coin to Caesar is a far easier task but the differences in the outcomes are worlds apart. I read a bumper sticker once that asked that we come “work for the Lord” with the caveat that the “retirement benefits were out of this world …”
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
