“DIDJA KNOW?”
by: Deacon Paul Rooney (deaconpaul@cox.net)
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
(Cycle “A" – October 16, 2005)

Q. 341:   The Gospel today (Mt 22:15-21) talks about taxes and Caesar and God.   Is this the first reference to separation of Church and State by Jesus?

A. 341:   This gospel segment has nothing to do with separation of Church and State, a concept unheard of in that ancient culture.   Instead, we can zero in on two of several insights: what is it that one “renders” to Church or State, and how does authority fit into this picture.

It would be romantic (?) to suggest that this gospel appears almost exactly at the mid-point of “tax time,” six months almost to the day when our taxes are due.   But this would be anachronistic, reading into the text something that would baffle the readers in Jesus’ time. Instead, we have to look to Jesus’ words to understand what is going on here.

He says “render to Caesar” - - certainly that means that if the Roman government levies a poll tax (which was the initial cause of political dissent and unrest), then citizens must pay it.   The Zealots would disagree, with their nationalistic fervor, and the Pharisees would agree since they saw no problem obeying the Mosaic Law under any government.   But Jesus is not “choosing sides.”   He is pointing to the principle involved: taxes are Caesar’s, so pay them; but your heart and your soul are Yahweh’s; give those to God!

Closely allied with that principle is the concept of “proper authority.”   All authority is from God, and when it serves the common good and is exercised within moral limits known from natural law, then it is to be respected.   But when that authority “legalizes” immorality (i.e., abortion, euthanasia, cloning, etc.) then respect and adherence is no longer required to that limited degree.

KNOW YOUR CATECHISM!   The First Reading (Is 45:1,4-6) is a reminder to us that God can use even pagan nations and leaders to fulfill his will – all for the sake of his chosen people – because even the authority of pagan leaders comes from God (CCC #1899).  If that authority serves the common good of the people, then the choice of the type of political regime is left up to the citizenry (CCC #1901). When the demands of an authority violate the upright conscience of the people, the refusal of obedience is acceptable (CCC #2242).

Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha