29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME A
SHALL WE GIVE TO “CAESAR?”
MT 22: 15-21
MESSAGE
Lord Jesus, you tell us to “give to Ceasar what belongs to Caesar,” to be good Christian citizens of our earthly dwelling, honoring and obeying our civil leaders. But there are huge questions in our hearts:
Do we give to Ceasar when we are submerged in flood each time it rains? When roads and bridges are in poor condition? When people die without being served in public hospitals? When the poor go to jail while those in power can escape abroad to seek asylum? When are woes are caused by Caesar’s negligence, greed, and indifference?
“Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God,” is part of your divine design. And though difficult, there is wisdom in your command. Yes, we still need to give our government officials honor, respect, and support. But inspired “what belongs to God,” we will not listen to empty promises; we will not be loyal to political figures and dynasties; we will not destroy each other just because we are on opposing camps.
We will give to Caesar by loving our country more than politicians. We will respect and maintain our environment and nature. Daily we will continue to work honestly and care for our families, the poor and the weak. We will choose wisely the next Caesars who will lead our government. We will not give a chance to those who have records of corruption to run our country.
Lord, we will give to you what belongs to you by asking more guidance from you in matters of personal and social life. Our faith in you will inspire us to see life with hope and to treat each other with kindness, justice, dignity and service.
REFLECT
Love for God and love for country are not opposed but connected. Let us not just curse the darkness but light a candle of change in our own lives. Let us be truly faithful to God that he may guide us in how to love correctly and truly our country.
