Walking with Jesus: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time A

Isaiah 45:1, 4-6; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5; Matthew 22:15-21

Is God a God to everyone on Earth? What about to those of different religious affiliations? What about those who have no association with God? Does God care for everyone equally? Do we as Catholics have an upper hand? God is the giver of all gifts, we know this. Does God give His gifts equally or does it help that we are baptized and belong to the Church? The themes in today’s readings are faith and civil law. Do we have a problem with these being considered together? With presidential elections looming, can we ever find a candidate who expresses only Christian-based values? What basic Christian values are … or should be … a part of civil law? How would this impact the fairness of the law for people who are non-Christians? We turn to the readings today to help us understand God’s plan and our response.

Isaiah is one of the major prophets relaying and interpreting messages from God. Often these messages come in response to an inquiry. The content and style vary, from messages of salvation to statements of threat or condemnation. There are a series of oracles, usually in poetic form, in Isaiah. Some contrast God’s power with human ingenuity. Today we see how the events in time and place contribute to the continued faith journey of the Israelites. They have been captives in the Babylonian Empire for many generations. They don’t see any end in sight. Much sooner than they expect, Cyrus comes to power in Persia and his defeat of Babylon begins an empire that outlasts any other realm. Isaiah very carefully explains that Cyrus is an unknowing agent of God, restoring the Chosen People to their land. Cyrus might believe that any number of his own national gods are responsible, but Isaiah says, “No, this comes from God … in fact God insists that there are no other gods.” The implication is that God’s plan includes all terrestrial rulers, most of whom have no idea of who God is ... at least at this point. All peoples are God’s creation, formed out of love for His glory. The Israelites are being prepared to return to their homeland. They have been enlightened to God’s plan and His way; He is in charge. He has gifted Cyrus with an understanding heart. Can we say the same for ourselves? The Israelites have been held captive for almost 50 years. Cyrus releases them and all their belongings to go home where they can practice their own religion. Eventually they will rebuild the destroyed Temple and begin work on the Second Temple under David’s son Solomon. God’s continued presence, love, forgiveness and mercy are constantly evident. God cares for all His creations, always.

Writing to the Thessalonians, Paul is expressing his gratitude for the faith, love and hope that this community has constantly exhibited. They embrace their God and are determined to put their faith into practice. Paul is sharing with them that Christ will return shortly and they should continue to reflect in gratitude for all God has done for them. This is accomplished by living the command of love of God and neighbor, meaning everyone. How am I on the gratitude “chart?” Msgr. Chet Michael would say repeatedly, “Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude ... and more gratitude.” The bottom line is that it takes so little to say thanks. God in turn wants to thank us by sharing His love, mercy and forgiveness. How am I doing in thanking and loving?

Today’s gospel begins a series of traps the Pharisees have for Jesus to show the public He is a fake. They are the religious leaders. Jesus is an upstart who is going nowhere. Jesus knows they are trying to trap Him in an uncomfortable situation. If He says pay the tax, they will accuse Him of siding with the hated Roman oppressors. If He says don’t pay it, they will accuse Him of disobedience to Roman law. Either response could lead to His own death. In response, Jesus holds up the Roman coin and asks whose image is on it. Their response — Caesar’s — leads Jesus to imply, “Don’t bother Me with your petty little schemes when the reign of God is at hand.” Are you trying to place God in a box and not listen to Him? It’s not about taxes, it’s about us and our own little manipulations that lead us to missing the deep mysteries under our noses. The Kingdom of God is at hand and the Pharisees never even notice it. Do I miss the poor, the neglected, the homeless right in front of me so I can support my own petty play toys? Do I realize I’m gifted and my gifts are to be shared with love to those in need of love, all the time? Do I give God the glory due His name? Do I praise Him for His gifts to me? A sidelight is that many Pharisees are expecting a Messiah who will drive out the Roman Empire that has ruled them for more than 100 years. The Herodians are total supporters of the Herod family that Rome has appointed as kings to Israel … mortal enemies joined together to get rid of Jesus! God’s plan for everyone is heaven and there is only one way: His way!

So I reflect on:

• Jesus taught that the kingdom of God was at hand — and the Pharisees never noticed. Do we?
• Jesus was unfolding to the crowds the will of God that had been buried in mystery for thousands of years. What were the Pharisees interested in?
• Why weren’t the Pharisees, religious leaders and rulers at Jesus’ time interested in God’s law — the law of love, forgiveness, mercy? Am I interested in these?
• Do I tend to follow the rules of God or the rules of “the crowd?”
  

Sacred Space 2020 states:

“Jesus remains free and firm in the face of plots against Him by the Pharisees, who try to catch Him out and find a way to silence Him with a barbed question. Is it right to pay taxes to a foreign power? If He says yes, He is against them, His own people. If He says no, they will report Him to the Romans and have Him arrested. You can see in the text the wisdom of His answer.

“To be a good citizen and to serve God are not in contradiction, because God works through all human systems and institutions to build the final community of love. God needs me to help build good relationships wherever I find myself.”