Reflection for October 18 Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 22:15-21

Gospel: Matthew 22:15-21

The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus 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."

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Why do people protest against their government?

People protest because they feel that their government is not giving them what they rightfully deserve. We expect our government leaders to practice honest governance, deliver basic services effectively, demonstrate competent leadership, and fulfill their responsibilities to the people. When these expectations are not met, discontent and frustration will sooner or later arise. However, when our government leaders fulfill their responsibilities, peace and progress become more attainable, and we are more likely to pay our taxes willingly and fulfill our civic duties.

In the Gospel, Jesus is asked, “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” Jesus asks for a coin and then says, “Whose image is this and whose inscription?” They reply, “Caesar’s.” Jesus then delivers this famous teaching: “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God” (Matthew 22:17–21).

Jesus already knows about their deceitful plan to entrap Him with His own words. That is why He asks them, “Why are you testing me, you hypocrites?” (Matthew 22:18). Instead of allowing Himself to be trapped by their question, Jesus responds with an answer filled with wisdom. He reminds them that we have responsibilities to our earthly authorities, but we must never forget our greater and enduring obligation to God.

As citizens, when our government fulfills its responsibilities to the people, let us do our part by paying our taxes honestly and obeying the laws of our land. However, we must also remain vigilant so that we will not be abused, deceived, or taken advantage of by those in power. Our government leaders are entrusted with authority by the people, and they have a responsibility to serve the people with honesty, integrity, and compassion. Responsible citizenship does not mean blindly accepting everything our leaders do; it also means having the courage to speak up when we witness injustice and wrongdoing.

But beyond our responsibilities as citizens, we must also examine our obligations to God. Jesus reminds us of the two greatest commandments: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37, 39).

How do we show our love for God? We demonstrate it through our faithful participation in Holy Mass, our sincere reading of the Bible, our prayerful recitation of the Rosary, and our heartfelt conversations with God. We show our love for Him not only through our prayers and religious practices but also through the way we live our lives. Our faith must be visible in our honesty, humility, kindness, forgiveness, and concern for others.

We also demonstrate our love for our neighbors by helping those in need, comforting those who are grieving, forgiving those who have hurt us, and standing beside those who are experiencing injustice. We do not need to be wealthy or powerful to serve others. Even our simple acts of kindness can become powerful expressions of God's love when we offer them with sincere and generous hearts.

Let us remember that human governments and their leaders are imperfect. There will be times when they fail to fulfill their responsibilities, disappoint us, or even abuse the authority entrusted to them. But God remains faithful to us. His love, mercy, and goodness never fail. Even when we fall short in our faithfulness to Him, He continues to call us back to His loving presence.

Therefore, while we fulfill our responsibilities as citizens, let us never neglect our responsibilities as God's children. Let us pay what we owe, respect what is right, speak up against injustice, and faithfully fulfill our duties to our fellow human beings. Above all, let us give God what belongs to Him: our hearts, our love, our trust, and our lives.

We can be passionate about demanding honesty and accountability from our government leaders, and rightly so. But are we equally passionate about examining our own hearts and correcting our own shortcomings?

Before we demand that others fulfill their obligations, let us ask ourselves: Are we truly giving God what belongs to Him by loving Him with all our hearts and showing that love through our daily actions, especially toward those who need our compassion, forgiveness, and help the most?— Marino J. Dasmarinas