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19 Oct 2008 - Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

These days “render unto Caesar” has got to be one of the most oft-quoted passages of the Bible, along with “an eye for an eye.” It is used by some to justify thoughtless agreement with government, even when government policies and actions are clearly contrary to faith, and mindless obedience to the law, even when the law prevents a Catholic from performing his or her Catholic duties. It used to be understood that Catholics would always follow the guidance of the church. But when John F. Kennedy, a Roman Catholic, ran for U.S. president in 1960, he had to assure voters that he would conform to the proprieties of American government rather than the pope in Rome. Otherwise he probably would not have gotten elected. In this year’s campaign, presidential candidate Romney, a Mormon, felt the need to give the “Kennedy speech” in order to persuade voters that his moral decision-making would not be influenced by his religion. Of course this all begs the question: If our religion doesn’t influence our decision-making, what does? To be truly Catholic, one must pledge allegiance not to the flag of a nation but to the cross of Jesus Christ. Jesus taught his disciples to pay their taxes but give their hearts to God. Otherwise we end up rendering unto Caesar a lot more than what belongs to Caesar.

Authors Father Paul Boudreau

render unto caesar politics decision-making

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The inner word

22 Oct 2017 - Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Jesus snares the Pharisees in their own trap in today’s gospel with his brilliant teaching to “render unto Caesar . . . . ” Their hypocrisy is revealed for all to see. How do you handle hypocrisy when you confront it in others? Are you able to help them see the error in their ways? Think of a time when you found yourself saying something you really didn’t believe, perhaps even for less than honorable reasons. How did you handle being confronted with your own hypocrisy? How were you able to learn and grow from the experience?

render unto caesar Hypocrisy pharisees

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In other words

22 Oct 2017 - Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

That’s when the Pharisees plotted a way to trap him into saying something damaging. They sent their disciples, with a few of Herod’s followers mixed in, to ask, “Teacher, we know you have integrity, teach the way of God accurately, are indifferent to popular opinion, and don’t pander to your students. So tell us honestly: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” Jesus knew they were up to no good. He said, “Why are you playing these games with me? Why are you trying to trap me? Do you have a coin? Let me see it.” They handed him a silver piece. “This engraving—who does it look like? And whose name is on it?” They said, “Caesar.” “Then give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his” (from Matthew 22). From A New Message 4 Next Week (actapublications.com) based on The Message: Catholic/Ecumenical Edition by Eugene Peterson (ACTA Publications, 2013).

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