Nativity Catholic Church in Longwood shared a gospel meditation on paying taxes and giving to God in the parish's Oct. 18. bulletin.

While paying taxes is unpleasant, it is also a way that we are able to secure many of the conveniences that we desire for our lives. Of course, in government, we also see that money is misused and that many of the programs available are abused, which can cause resentment in ourselves over paying our taxes. 

"The inappropriate distribution and use of hard-earned monies can leave a person quite angry and disconnected," the meditation said. "It's bad enough the government wants something from me, now God does, too?"  

God, however, does not care about our money. Rather, he is deeply interested in our allegiance and the giving of money back to the Lord and the maintenance of his Church is a way that we can, in a very real way, show that we are loyal to him. 

"All of creation, even the entire universe, is fashioned in the image and likeness of God," the meditation stated. "What speaks to God and has meaning and relevance to him? All of creation and indeed our very selves." 

God loves when we give of our own resources and sacrifice for him. While taxes are demanded of us on this earth to provide goods for all citizens of our nation, our giving to God allows us to help further the kingdom of God on earth. 

"By giving ourselves and all of creation back to God in gratitude, we acknowledge the proper Creator and Author of life for who he is and devote our labors exclusively to God's kingdom and the justice, peace, or order God envisions," the meditation said.

In the kingdom of God, we see that saving and accumulating wealth is no longer needed, for we serve a God who provides and cares for us.