Jack's Day in Madison

"Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God." from Mark 12:13-17

Today Jack went to Madison with his fourth grade class to discover the State Capitol. An historic event, yes? At dinner, Paul and I asked him about his day. We wanted to know what great sites he had seen. We wanted to know if he met any important Senators or Congressmen. Here's what he had to say..."When we ate lunch in the cafeteria, I saw 3 vending machines with Skittles in them!" That's it! The highlight of his day!

It's pretty close to home for me, I'm sorry to say. I have always been fearful of conflict, and politics are always fraught with lots of conflict. So, I remember to vote following my conscience and my Catholic faith, I sign petitions when I am so moved, I recently pasted a "Right to Life" bumper sticker on my van, but aside from that, I try to keep quiet about my political views because I am a coward who hides in the background while others boldly stand up for the important moral issues. And look what that gets me! I have a son who is more interested in candy than the great sights of his State Capitol.

On the plus side, Jack loves to pray. He never complains about attending daily Mass. He gladly cantors the Alleluia verse for Sister Doris whenever she asks him to. He asks to pray the Stations of the Cross during Lent. He talks his brothers and sisters into "playing" Mass on frequent occasions. He says he wants to be a priest.

I guess today I could say that Jack rendered unto Caesar the limited attention that was mandated by his fourth grade requirements, but he gives unlimited attention to his Heavenly Father. I pray that he continues to give God his all, because after all, Jack belongs to God.