29th Sunday of Ordinary Times

Readings for:29th Sunday of Ordinary Times, Year A

Reading 1     Isaiah 45:1, 4-6 

Psalm           Psalm 96:1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10 

Reading 2     Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20 

Gospel         Matthew 22:1-14  

REFLECTIONS:… from Father Daniel     

  Theme of the Sunday: The Christian and the State. A Christian has the same rights as anybody else and does not claim exemption or privilege. Like everybody, we must also pay taxes. The first reading throws light on the relationship between faith and politics. God guides history so that everything may lead to the happiness of his people. The second reading is connected to the happiness of his people. The second reading is connected to this theme; it shows how in a concrete way the Christians of Thessalonica lived out their religion.

In today’s Gospel, we see the Jewish leaders launching their counter attack against Jesus, through carefully formulated questions. The Pharisees approached Jesus along with the Herodians. The Pharisees hated the Romans who were ruling Israel and were opposed to paying the tax. The Herodians were favorable toward the Romans and cooperated with them. The question put to Jesus is a trick- a dilemma:Is it lawful to pay the Census tax to Caesar or not? IF Jesus answers yes, he may be portrayed as a Roman Sympathizer. IF he answers no, he is then a subversive. 

Jesus refuses to be trapped by the question. By answering as he does, he demonstrates the relative value of all commitments in comparison to the commitment to love God. Since the coin was Roman coin and had the emperor’s name and image engraved on it, it belonged to the emperor who could demand it at any time. So Jesus said, give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, but don’t forget to give to God what belongs to God (Love, prayer, obedience and financial sacrifice). In his answer, Jesus basically allowed for limited cooperation with the Romans, but he did not allow for cheating God of what rightfully was owed to God. Because, unthinking, uncritical patriotism is simply a form of idolatry. For us to enter into His kingdom, what coin is this that Christ will ask of us on that day. It is not a coin of gold or silver. The coin that God will demand of us on that day will be good works. These we must show him that we may receive a just judgement. IF coins are necessary for our temporary welfare so are good deeds necessary for our spiritual welfare.