God and Country

" Remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the power to get wealth. "

First Reading Isaiah 45:1, 4-6

Thus says the LORD to his anointed, Cyrus, whose right hand I grasp, Subduing nations before him, and making kings run in his service, Opening doors before him and leaving the gates unbarred: For the sake of Jacob, my servant, of Israel my chosen one, I have called you by your name, giving you a title, though you knew me not. I am the LORD and there is no other, there is no God besides me. It is I who arm you, though you know me not, So that toward the rising and the setting of the sun men may know that there is none besides me. I am the LORD, there is no other.

Resp. Psalm: 96:1 , 3-5, 7-9

Second Reading 1Thessalonians 1:1-5

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: grace to you and peace. We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father, knowing, brothers loved by God, how you were chosen. For our gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and (with) much conviction. You know what sort of people we were (among) you for your sake.

Gospel Mt 22:15-2

Then the Pharisees went and plotted together how they might trap Him in what He said. And they sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any. Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, “Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax.” And they brought Him adenarius. And He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”

Reflection
By Patty De la Rosa-Paat
 

From this scenario, the Pharisees tried to discredit Jesus in the eyes of the people by laying a trap and maliciously asked him if it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not. Jesus is aware about their cleverness if He answer them in negative manner then He will be reported to the Roman officers for disloyalty. But He intellectually responded by saying “ Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”(Caesar means Emperor).

“ Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” From there we can fully understand the concept of separation of CHURCH and STATE. Citizens must pay taxes, it was not forbidden by God. It is lawful to pay taxes for the common good of the society.

Taxes are necessary for all legitimate expenses of the State, it serves many functions. Taxation benefits the citizens. It was implemented by the authorities for the common goal. It was used for social welfare, provided public services, jobs, education etc., economic infrastructure, ensuring health benefits and it was used to legislate and govern with the greatest respect for the natural law and the rights of people and so paying taxes are really important.

“ Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s “ It is broad in meaning because Jesus is not only referring to the obligation of the people to pay their taxes but it explains that, people should be a law-bider. The constituted government implemented law and this law should not violate the law of God. The authorities have the right to implement law but this law must protect the interests of the individuals. Citizens of the country must be legally and morally guided and the individual rights and freedom should be given accordingly.

“ Render to God the things that are God’s.” And our greatest duty is to love God with all our being. Keep His commandments and make Him our priority. These are our duties to God. For God is good, He is a loving God who has given us everything.

And remember God gave us free will. Free will is a God’s grace. He allows us to enjoy this freedom. A freedom to live, to learn, to love, to choose and to run our lives the way we want it to. It is God-given ability to all mankind to hear His call, to response from it and to know His will for us. But we should understand that freedom is associated with responsibility we should be responsible in everything we do and say.

And this is how the church helps us to grow spiritually. The church was called a society founded by Christ in New Testament. It is also called the mystical body of Christ. Here, our Christian life began after receiving the sacrament of baptism and other sacraments. Remember, in every sacrament we receive a particular grace.

Church and State are perfect societies. Obedience to God’s commandments implies our personal love and commitment to Him. As we love and obey God it attributes our behavior to our society. We are becoming a good citizen who respects laws and those in authorities. Thereon, we will be able to contribute for general welfare, through good deeds and by exercising personal responsibility and participating in public services for the good of others. This is what Jesus is teaching us…..To serve God and to serve others the best that we can.

Father in heaven, we are here to pray not only for ourselves but for our country as well. We ask You Lord to guide our leaders. Guide them gently to the right decisions. Help us in our national crisis and give us courage and strength for us to bravely face the burden that has been placed to our shoulders. Allow us all to come together as one nation and lead us to the path of righteousness. You are the source of life and the keeper of our soul. Teach us to love and respect each other. May we stand firm as we pray for all mankind. Amen