Things to Ponder
I use this page to share messages of an inspirational nature, or simply something to ponder. It is my hope that you will always be inspired.
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Homily Reflections -Matthew 22:15-21 - 29th Week in Ordinary Time
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Introduction: Twin Gifts of Faith and Citizenship
In today’s Gospel, Jesus and the religious leaders in Jerusalem continue their tense exchange of questions and challenges. At this point the disciples of the Pharisees, together with the Herodians, try to entrap Jesus by their trick questions about the payment of taxes to Caesar.
Matthew sets up the tense drama by introducing the unusual partnership between the Pharisees and the Herodians – who intensely disliked each other. The Herodians were supporters of Herod Antipas, a Jewish political leader who collaborated with the Romans. Such collaboration would have required a compromised observance of the Mosaic Law. The Pharisees, on the other hand, taught scrupulous observance of the Mosaic Law and opposed Roman occupation.
Herodians favored the payment of the taxes; the Pharisees opposed it. In this drama, the Herodians and the Pharisees approach Jesus, asking that he take sides in their dispute. If Jesus answers with the Pharisees, he shows himself to be an enemy of Rome and faces treason. If he answers with the Herodians, he offends popular Jewish religious sensibilities – and loses his leadership credibility among the Jewish leaders and people.
Jesus wisely pivots in answering the trick question. He asks to see a Roman coin – that the Pharisees conveniently have with them in the Jewish Temple which exposes them as hypocrites. He asks them whose image is on the coin. Caesar’s, they confidently respond. Avoiding the question of lawfulness and the trap laid out for him, Jesus responds: “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” Checkmate!
The concluding response of the Pharisee’s disciples underscores Jesus’ skill in outwitting his opponents: “When they heard this, they were amazed – and they left him and went away.” You and I can only pray and hope for the gift of wisdom to do likewise when faced with tough situations. The gift of the Holy Spirit? Wisdom? (See: Wisdom 9:1-6, 9-11)
In short, Matthew’s drama makes the point that one can pay Caesar but also recognize that his authority is relative and that loyalty to God takes precedence. The state has authority, and so has God. Give each its due. And sometimes it’s difficult to discern and find clear-cut divisions between Caesar’s realm and God’s. The gift of wisdom.
As an historical example, we remember St. Thomas More when he was confronted with his loyalty to King Henry XIII and to the Pope (Church): ‘I am the king’s good servant. But God’s first.” A wise man.
I would invite you to take time to read and ponder the words from the Gospel of Matthew 22:15-21.
What word or words caught your attention?
What in this passage comforted you?
What in this passage challenged you?
Further Questions and Reflections:
You and I have the twin gifts of citizenship and faith. As citizens of this beloved country, we have responsibilities and obligations – paying taxes, obeying just laws, voting, volunteering our skills. And as citizens (members) of our church family community, we also have responsibilities – worshipping, caring for each other, volunteering. Are we faithful to our twin gifts?
In a nutshell, we are God’s coins, God’s currency, God’s due. And that is what God wants a return on. The divine image is stamped on us! That’s the challenge. We each carry God’s image to the places we live and work, study and play. You and I should think of ourselves as God’s ready cash. Are you God’s coin, God’s currency? Do you carry God’s image with you?
Whom do we belong to? It is God who claims us. We do not belong to anyone or anything else. We don’t even belong to ourselves!
Deacon David
Deacon David Suley
St. Andrew Apostle Catholic Church
Silver Spring, Maryland
Published with Permission
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"LEAVE IT IN GOD'S HAND TODAY"
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