Susan Hines-Brigger

This week’s Gospel teaches us about the greatest commandment of them all–to love one another.

Lockdown—that was the subject line of the e-mail I got at work on one of the last days of school this past May. My heart dropped into my stomach. I quickly scrolled down to read the body of the message, though not entirely sure I wanted to. 

When the disciples ask Jesus, in this week’s Gospel, about paying the census tax, they are told to pay to Caesar what belongs to him and give to God what is God’s.

“Gym tonight?” That was the text from my friend Krista. And just as Batman jumps into action when the bat symbol lights up the sky, I knew she needed me. The gym is code for, “I need to talk, and I need someone to listen.” She could have needed to talk about her kids, her job, or just the pressures of being a mom. I just needed to be there with open ears and an open heart.

The fact that we would be able to do a little exercise in the process was just a bonus.