Dear Parishioners,
Today's Gospel begins with a somewhat familiar scene. Some influential members of Jewish society, the disciples of the Pharisees, and some Herodians are trying to trip Jesus up with a trick question, Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not? On the surface, this appears to put Jesus in a bind. If he answers yes, he may appear to be sanctioning the oppressive rule and paganistic practices of the Roman Empire. If he answers no, he might come across as an anti-Roman revolutionary. Many of us face similar challenges and tensions each day as we wonder; Can I be a good Christian and good citizen at the same time? Can I support government officials who approve of legalized abortion or favor embryonic stem cell research or favor a host of other issues that are in conflict with the teachings of Jesus and the Church?
The response Jesus gave to his challengers was, repay Caesar what belongs to Caesar and God what belongs to God. This response provides us with some guidance on how we can live in a secular and pluralistic society while still remaining faithful to God. Let us start with the second half of the answer Jesus gave-with what we are to render to God. Common sense gives to God the fundamental recognition that every person is created in his image and likeness. This means that every person is a child of God and is worthy of our respect and love, and that all of human life is sacred. Next, we are to make our faith in God, our obeying his laws, and living by gospel values, the number-one priority and defining feature of our lives. This leads us to treating all people with kindness and compassion, assisting those in need, working for justice and acting as good stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to us. Returning to Caesar what belongs to Caesar reminds us that, while we are citizens of heaven, the setting for where we lead our lives of faith is on earth, within the confines of a particular society that has its own unique characteristics. Given this reality, the Church recognizes the good that can come from government and its civil institutions in establishing order and structure in society. They also give great assistance in providing for people's welfare in promoting the common good. It should not surprise us that the Church calls us to abide by our society's just laws, and to faithfully fulfill our civic duties and responsibilities, such as voting and paying taxes. With regard to those laws and practices that are unjust, that contradict God's laws, that deny the sanctity of all human life and strip people of their dignity, we are called to work within our governmental systems to bring an end to such immoral practices.
So, as we give worldly obligations their due, our highest commitment is to be to God and his commandments. We are to raise people's thinking and lift up their actions to make the world a better place. We are citizens of heaven first, but we can still love, respect, correct and challenge those who govern us on earth. We are called to have our presence, our faith, make a difference in the world.
Blessings to you and all your family, my good people of God, especially in this month of the Holy Rosary.
Father Alex Dalpiaz, c.s.
Pastor