OBEY GOD AND OBEY CAESAR

My dear brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. In today's Gospel Jesus gives us a clear view of how to be a good disciple of Jesus. A good disciple is someone who has an obligation to obey the government as well as obey God. This view of Jesus stems from the Pharisees' intention to trap Jesus with the following question. “Is it permissible to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

In my opinion, the Pharisees' question was actually very interesting. They were very polite and respectful in addressing Jesus as a Master. However, the motivation behind their question was not good. They called Jesus a Master, but they had no respect for Jesus and even had ill-will towards Him.

Jesus knew that the Pharisees had ill intentions towards Him. So, Jesus answered their question by saying, “You hypocrites, why do you set this trap for me?” Jesus' answer was a slap in the face to the Pharisees. Jesus then proceeded to show them a denarius coin and asked them about the image on it. Jesus said: “Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” In my opinion, Jesus' answer to the Pharisees was truly amazing, and unexpected.

Here Jesus has made a fundamental distinction about what we owe to God and what we owe to the government. We cannot equate obedience to Caesar with obedience to God. In relation to paying taxes, there is a limit to the obedience shown. For example, a single coin is enough to give taxes to the emperor. However, obedience to God is not limited by anything. Perhaps, what Jesus wants to tell us is that the emperor has a limit to his power, but God's power cannot be limited by anything. If God is the one who gives us life, then it is fitting and proper that we also surrender all that we have into God's sovereignty.

Jesus' answer to the people's question at that time also teaches us to be fair and wise in our lives. As believers, what we are obliged to give to the state and the Church must be done wholeheartedly. Jesus set the best example for us, to be wise towards the state and God. Two questions for us to ponder together. What should we do for our country and our neighbours? And what should we do to build Church life in Australia?

By the way, since last week, there has been another heated conflict between Palestine and Israel. Thousands of people have died and many people have been injured and displaced by the conflict. Many people are living in fear. Pope Francis and Catholic leaders have voiced sadness and concern over the conflict and called for peace and diplomacy to be restored in the region. According to him, war is defeat! Every war is a defeat! War and terrorism will only lead to further bloodshed. Therefore, let us unite our hearts to pray for peace. May they be able to find the best solution for a loving and peaceful life.

PEACE BE WITH YOU