Cycle A - Year II:
19 October 2014: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
(Liturgical color: Green)
Matthew 22:15-21
We belong to God!
When we are blessed to reach the age of the elderly, we enjoy the rare privilege of "dual citizenship". It means we are citizens of our country, and "senior citizens" as well. Of course it is a joke among the elderly, but it can also convey a profound truth about "dual citizenship" of humanity.
That is the key to our reflection on the Gospel message for this Sunday.
We read about Jesus' encounter with a group of Pharisees who planned to
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trap Him in a religious-state issue by asking a "loaded" question: "Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?"
Now, if Jesus answered "yes" He would be supporting the Emperor and would lose credibility with the Jewish populace. If He answered "no" the Pharisees would have grounds to report Him to Roman authorities and have Him arrested for treason.
But Jesus was smarter than they thought. He gives them a profound response instead, which goes far beyond a simple "yes" or "no" answer. Jesus tells them: "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, but give to God what is God's".
These well-known words of our Lord are also the most misunderstood, even in our times. It is used, for example, to argue a complete separation between the state and the Church. But a deeper reflection on the wisdom of our Lord's words will reveal that they are really complementary to achieve an authentic Christian living. Let us see how.
Our Lord is reminding us that the state has a legitimate sphere of authority and that, as citizens of the world, we have an obligation to render to the state whatever material and personal services are required for the common good of society.
At the same time, Jesus makes it clear that we are citizens not only of the state but also of the kingdom of God. In fact, we belong to God first and foremost. Because God is our first and ultimate authority. It is from God that everyone and everything derives their power. Thus, the state does not enjoy absolute power and dominion over us. That is why civil authorities are obliged to act with justice in the distribution of goods and services. They have to legislate laws and govern with the greatest respect for the natural law and the rights of people, like the protection of life, the defense of marriage and family, and ensure religious freedom.
In sum, Jesus speaks about the right relationship between humanity and God. While we are in journey in this world we may say that we have "dual citizenship", meaning citizens of the world and citizens of God's kingdom. How do we exercise both that complement each other?
Christians are challenged to be the light and salt in the midst of the world. We are called to transform the environments in which we live so as to make them more pleasing to God.
When it comes to the fundamental question of social morality, we should be fully aware that our faith serves as a powerful light illuminating the whole of life. In this sense, the teachings of God and His Church are our sure guide for authentic growth and development, and they are not obstacle to human welfare or scientific progress.
Christians are called to be responsible citizens of the world, helping the state achieve its mission of providing for the common good, spreading love and charity to all, taking care of the environments. Doing so also prepares them to be good citizens of God's kingdom while still here on earth, by living authentic Christian life, so that as we complete our life's journey we are ready to assume full citizenship in heaven. Because we belong to God first and foremost.