Gospel Reflections for October 19th 2014
Who likes to pay taxes? Not me! Nevertheless, it is a hard fact of life for all of us every April 15th. But at the time of Jesus taxes were a hard fact of life every day. At any moment a tax collector could walk up to you and demand some sort of payment. There was nothing you could do except pay. No wonder tax collectors were so resented, along with their hated Roman coins with the Emperors face on them. Jews wouldn’t even carry those coins at all!
In Sunday’s Gospel, Pharisees ask Jesus about that tax, knowing that if He said “Don’t pay” He would be arrested, and if He said “Pay the tax” the people would resent Him. Quite a trap!
Jesus asks them to show the coin, which they do. (He cleverly traps them by showing they actually had those hated coins!)
He brings their attention to the face stamped on the coin. Since it is Caesar, He says we should give it to him, but if the image is God, then we give it to God. At first glance, this suggests a nice clean break between obligations given to religious and secular life, but it is just the opposite.
The very first book of the bible declares we are all made in the image of God. Therefore, we are all “stamped” in His image …always. So there is no time that we are not in the image of God! Therefore there is no time that we do not give ourselves completely to Him. We do not have a “secular” side of our life during the week, and then a “religious” side on Sunday.
The mark of a true Christian is that consistency and steadiness in our life. We don’t wobble back and forth between God …and no God. We are the same person wherever we are.
For example, a husband or wife is not “married” at home and then somehow “unmarried” when he or she goes to work in the morning. Parents do not cease being parents when their children leave for school. They are spouses and parents always!
There is a great deal of wobbling and vacillation in the world today, like politicians who are one way with donors and another way on TV. Who likes that? This Gospel affirms we must have a singular focus to our lives every day.
It actually makes for a happier life; no need to worry about how we are in different situations. We hold the same values in every situation. We give ourselves completely to God every day.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave,
Dear Father Dave,
You say, ‘The very first book of the bible declares we are all made in the image of God. Therefore, we are all “stamped” in His image …always.’ So do you mean that the coin of Caesar can be viewed as the image of God? Is it that Caesar was made in God’s image but is perhaps misbehaving? I find this to be a difficult concept, and I am struggling for clarity.
Respectfully,
Wes
When the Gospel author used the image of a coin stamped in an image, his audience would have instantly made the connection with Genesis. (Everyone knew the main stories of the Bible pretty much be heart in those days) If the coin stamped with Caesar goes to Caesar, then the “coin” that is ourselves is stamped with God’s image, so we belong to Him. The actual person of Caesar, since he is a human being, is also stamped in God’s image, and so Caesar should also act accordingly. However, he did not always do so!
Hi Father Heney:
When we pay our taxes we help society run more smoothly. Our cities and country need roads fixed, construction of new freeways, etc. When we love God and our neighbor we help society run more smoothly too. It is a better place to live if we as Christians practice being loving on a daily basis not just once and awhile. God wants us to do both.
Well said!
Fr. Dave,
Thank you for the Reflection; it’s the first thing I read this morning, a primer and wonderful reminder of how much God loves us, making us in his hallow image despite our many shortcomings, deceitful ways, and sinful nature. I’m continually marveled (and a hallmark of my faith) by the so many times in the Old Testament that God extended his mercy and forgiveness to his chosen people despite their repeated wreckfullness and disregard toward Him – a reminder for me of His Hope!
Separately, will you be reflecting on the Synod of the Family preliminary findings, and have you gotten around to reading “Among the Ruins, Syria Past and Present” – I just got my copy. I’d be very interested in your take especially as a Catholic theologian.
All the best – Shalom, Joe
Hello!
Thanks for writing! Thanks also for your compliments. I enjoy reflecting on the Gospel each week. It is such a treasure trove of insights. Yes, I got the book and have scanned it. It is quite comprehensive. I thought it was going to be about the recent war, but it is actually a full on cultural and religious history of the country. I will also be writing some reflections on the Synod as well. Stay tuned!
Thanks Father Dave. I look forward to reading your weekly message and can almost hear you saying it! We, at St. Paschal, miss your homilies. Cheers, Linda.
Your commentaries are always pertinent to me, Fr. Dave. Reflecting on the application of this Gospel message I realize the obverse is manifest here in China. Almost every day I see for myself what happens when competing values are manufactured and imposed to fit other purposes. The awful effects of substitution here prove the validity of the Gospel messages.
The spirit of the people I know here seems driven by and constrained by 1) a passion to become wealthy 2) caring for family to avoid the contempt of others. Sure, reality is more complex, but these two motivations dominate – – – and life really is so empty for so many.
Even in its more enlightened contemporary version, Party rules dominate, guide, control every aspect of living. That’s not going to change. There is an awakening, however. The openness of the last 30 years, here, fuels our insatiable pursuit for perfection, maybe everyone just wants peace that comes from understanding.
The messages from you and Fr. Joe guide me past the constraining Church of rules that I survived through the 50’s and early 60’s. Now I understand we are loved unreservedly by our Creator. So much so that He grants us freedom and empowers us to choose Him – or not choose Him – guided Reason and Faith. This impresses me with the indispensable value of the Faith Community and leaders who support each of us.
Several years ago I stood with my best friend in front of the shell of a European cathedral in Beijing. He asked why so many classic churches featured three spires. I went off on a riff about the Trinity. Wrong approach for a guy who’s so well-educated in social doctrine, an enthusiastic Party functionary, the son of people fully committed to the State.
This weekend he again asked me about my faith. He says his spirit is pouring out of him and asked me to tell him about my Faith. I made brief comments about the God of Love, that we are sons of God, brothers in Christ.
Now I’m in trouble, seems like a big responsibility, so I’m going to keep following your Gospel commentaries to give us direction. Just want you to know they matter.
Bill Howard
Hello! Thanks Bill, for such a thoughtful message. I think that perhaps just as, and many others, have journeyed from the experience of faith in the 50’s and 60’s here, and into a mature and more accurate experience of god’s love, so perhaps, the Chinese people will slowly change as well. I had lunch with a Chinese businessman friend the other day, and he precisely echoed your words about the situation in China now. That the Hong Kong negotiations were actually televised is a small sign of hope. My articles will keep coming so stay tuned! I am glad your friend asked you to help him understand our faith. You are the right man because you are honest.
I am in Notre Dame now for a few weeks for a conference. This is not So Cal weather!