Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 22,15-21
The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap him in speech.
They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion, for you do not regard a person’s status.
Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?”
Knowing their malice, Jesus said, “Why are you testing me, you hypocrites?
Show me the coin that pays the census tax.” Then they handed him the Roman coin.
He said to them, “Whose image is this and whose inscription?”
They replied, “Caesar’s.” At that he said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”
Give what you must give
1) The laity: The laity are all baptised people, except those in Holy Orders and those who belong to a religious state. As laity, we are responsible for forming moral people and good leaders. This is an experience that was lived intensely when Cardinal Karlic, of Argentina, asked for forgiveness in the Jubilee year 2000. He said: “In a country where 99% of all people are Catholic, we are the 2nd most corrupt country in Latin America.” This hurt enormously! Many of our political figures now have come from studying in our schools and attending our churches. We must form our laypeople better.
2) Teach within the Social Doc trine of the Church:
This is something that the last popes have emphasised: how as laypeople, we must commit ourselves fully. I understand your apathy towards political matters, but we must become citizens rather than just be the population in our country. We need to assume responsibility for our country by working hard, studying, and being good leaders. What do you do for your country ?
3) Double life: We cannot be one way in church, and a another in society. How many times are we a witness to this ?! There are pious people that attend church constantly, but they love to gossip and manipulate others in the outside world. We must be coherent in what we believe. Everything must be in its place: “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” This does not mean that our political leaders are at the same level as God, but what it implies is that we must assume responsibility in all our actions in the church and in society. Let us pray for our country. I do not ask that you become a politician, rather, work for your country in small meaningful ways; for example, start by not throwing trash on the street. Be strong and may God be with you !
God-bless you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Remember, heaven is our goal !
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