Fr Xavier Writes 22nd October 2023

This week we are in the 29th Sunday of Ordinary time and in the Gospel reading the pharisees are cleverly trying to put Jesus

into a trap of making an incriminatory statement. Aware of their malice Jesus wisely draws attention to Caesar’s image on the

tax coin asking them to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to God. He is challenging them to

take their responsibility to God as seriously as their obligations to the state.

How about us? While God and Caesar each have a claim over us, neither allegiance should cancel out the other. The Gospel is a

reminder for us that we are members of God’s kingdom and citizens of the country in which we live with obligation to both.

Tensions may arise between our loyalty to God and our duty to our country especially when political questions touch upon faith

and morality. Religion and politics do mix and overlap, so crucial issues of conscience occasionally emerge. In those instances,

we must put God and his laws first even if it brings us into conflict with the state. We are obliged to bring the Gospel of Jesus

into every aspect of our life.

A good Christian by keeping their thoughts on heaven whilst having their feetfirmly planted on earth, can love God and country

and be faithful to both. Christian life in the world should result in giving a certain tone to society and every person must show a

proper interest in the wellbeing of society. Living in an imperfect world calls for every Christen men and women in public life

not to be afraid to express their allegiance to God in social and religious affairs. The most important goal for all of us is to work

out our salvation and it takes lifelong effort to give to God what is his due. This is something we should keep uppermost in our

minds.

By remaining steadfast in our faith, at home and in public life, we witness our faith and show that our reward is not to be sought

in this world.



Wishing you all a witnessing week ahead.....