Cycle A - Year 1:  

22 October 2017:  Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

(Liturgical Color: Green)

Readings:

First Reading:        Isaiah 45:1, 4-6

Second Reading:   1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b

Gospel:Please Read  Matthew 22:15-21

The Christian challenge!

 To reach the age of elderly is a blessing because of the rare privilege of "dual citizenship".  It means the elderly are citizens of their country and "senior citizens" as well. Of course, it is meant as a joke, but it also conveys a profound truth about "dual citizenship" of humanity.

That is the key to our reflection on the Gospel message for this Sunday.

Our Lord Jesus encounters a group of Pharisees who planned to trap Him in a religious-state issue by asking a "loading" question: "Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Ceasar or not?"

Here's the catch: If Jesus answered "yes" He would appear supporting the Emperor and thus 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.

Our Lord was smarter that they thought. He gave 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 for a complete separation between the state and the Church. But a deeper reflection on the wisdom of our Lord's words will reveal that the Church and state are really complementary, or partners if you wish, to achieve an authentic Christian living. Let us see how.

On the one hand, Jesus reminds 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.

But also Jesus makes it clear that we are citizens not only of the state but also of the kingdom of God. Matter of 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 and authority. Thus, the state does not enjoy absolute power and dominion over us. Rather, civil authorities are obliged to act with justice in the distribution of goods and services. They have to legislate laws and govern with greatest respect for the natural law and the rights of people, like protection of life, the defense of marriage and family, and ensure religious freedom.

In sum, our Lord Jesus Christ speaks about the right relationship between humanity and God. While we are in journey in this world we can 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?

Well, Christians are challenged to be the light and salt in the midst of the world. Because we live in our material world. But we are also called to transform the environments in which we live so as to make them more pleasing to God. For in the end, even that which "belongs to Caesar" really belongs to God. For God is the author of Creation.

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.

Thus, Christians are challenged 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 our final and only destiny, is with God.

The Church also celebrates World Mission Sunday today. Let us support the mission with our material contributions. Let us, foremost, pray for all missionaries (priests, religious and lay) who labor out of love to continue with evangelizing the world. May the Lord protect them from every harm and reward their efforts and sacrifices in this world with a blissful life with God in the next. Amen.

A blessed Sunday to us all. And thank you for a moment with God.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!