The question asked to our Lord in today’s Gospel is, let us say, a trap. What could Jesus say? If he said that it is not lawful to pay the tax, then he would instantly be arrested as a rebel, an enemy of Rome. If he said that it was lawful to pay the tax, he would be exposed as a supporter of pagans, not a true Jew but a collaborator with Rome. They really had him this time… Or so they thought. In one brief phrase, Jesus demonstrated how a person should choose in matters of religion and state: Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s…[1]
You know, patriotism is a virtue. A good Christian should be a good citizen. A good Christian should be willing to stand up for and even fight for the values that make a country great: freedom, liberty, the rights of people, particularly the rights of the most in need of our society[2].
Even more: when government seeks to provide for the just welfare of its citizens, it is doing the work of God. Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s. So Jesus’ response tells us that one’s citizenship does not have to be in disagreement with one’s faith. As patriotic Americans, we need to participate in the affairs of our government with responsibility and intelligence so that our public policies may reflect the wisdom and justice of God.
Patriotism as a virtue means keeping the proper order of Christian priorities. The old expression “My country right or wrong but my country,” is not valid for the Christian when that means participating in immoral acts. For example, the Christian would be wrong –very wrong- to support and fight for abortion simply because abortion is a law of our country. The Christian would also be wrong if he or she does not fight for just and moral laws.
My brother, my sister, we have the right and the responsibility to apply a moral test to the dictates of our nation. By our baptism, Catholics are committed to following Jesus Christ and to be salt for the earth, light for the nations. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, "It is necessary that all participate, according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This is inherent in the dignity of the human person…As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life"[3].
Jesus’ response to the Pharisees confronts them and us with the demand to act out of our deepest convictions and take responsibility for those actions whether we are leaders or followers, whether we identify ourselves at a particular moment as Christians or as citizens.
The Pharisees had it all wrong. There is no dilemma between the choice of Caesar or God. At least, there is no dilemma when we are determined to instill, foster and support morality in the actions of our government.
What are you doing for this country? What am I doing as a priest and pastor of this community? I am content to watch life passing before me without doing anything?
The Lord's invitation is clear: we must give the country the best of ourselves, and God also our best. Two things are not opposed; on the contrary, they help each other. We will make an examination of conscience and give thanks for many blessings that God pours upon this country ■
[1] Sunday 16th October, 2011, 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Readings: Isaiah 45:1, 4-6. Give the Lord glory and honour—Ps 95(96):1, 3-5, 7-10. 1 Thessalonians 1:1‑5. Matthew 22:15-21 [St Hedwig. St Margaret Mary Alocoque].
[2] There is a story about a minister who in the early part of the last century was asked to give the Memorial Day address at the national cemetery in Gettysburg, PA. Like most of the speakers in previous years, he felt a need to conclude his talk by reciting Lincoln’s famous address. The minister thought that the speech had gone well, but afterwards an old man came forward and said to him, “Son, you’ve made an awful mess of Lincoln’s speech.” Taken aback the minister said, “How so, I didn’t miss a word. Look, here are my notes.” “Oh, I don’t need your notes,” said the man, “I know it by heart. You see I heard it the first time around.’ The minister then realized that this man had been present when Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. So the minister asked, “How did my recitation differ from that of the great president?” The old man said, “Abe put his hands out over the people like a benediction and said, ‘That the government of the people, by the people and for the people, should not perish from the earth.’ You got the words right,” the old man said, “but you got the emphasis wrong and you missed the message. You emphasized government. Lincoln talked about people.”
[3] nos. 1913-1915
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