In today’s Gospel, the Pharisees and Herodians attempt to trap Jesus with a seemingly simple question: “Is it permissible to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” They hope that whatever answer Jesus gives will place him in difficulty. If he supports the tax, he risks alienating those who resent Roman occupation; if he opposes it, he can be accused of challenging Roman authority.
Jesus responds by asking them to show him the coin used for the tax. In asking for a Roman coin, Jesus subtly lets it be seen that his questioners are themselves carrying the coinage with which taxes were paid to Caesar. Their attempt to trap Jesus exposes something about themselves.
Jesus then gives the enigmatic response that has echoed throughout Christian history: “Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar – and to God what belongs to God.”
Jesus is not simply offering a lesson about paying taxes. He is placing all our earthly responsibilities within a much larger framework. We have obligations to family, community, society and the various institutions of which we are part. These responsibilities are real and should be taken seriously. Yet none of them can claim the ultimate loyalty of our hearts.
The fundamental loyalty of our heart, mind and spirit is due to the one God alone. The expression of all our other loyalties must be discerned within that framework.
This is particularly meaningful as we celebrate Mission Sunday. To give God what belongs to God means giving ourselves. We are made in God’s image, and therefore our whole lives ultimately belong to him. Our response to God’s love is not simply something we keep within ourselves. We are called to share the Gospel through our words, our actions, our generosity and our service to others.
Mission is not the responsibility of a few missionaries sent to distant places. Every Christian is called to participate in Christ’s mission. Some do this by going to other countries; others witness to the Gospel in their families, workplaces, communities and parishes. Through our prayer, generosity and practical support, we become part of the Church’s continuing mission.
The challenge of the Gospel is therefore not to withdraw from the world, but to live faithfully within it, remembering always who we are and to whom we ultimately belong. We can serve Caesar, but we worship God—and because we worship God, we are sent to serve his people.
Fr Stephen Berecz