Oct 18th homily

Post date: Oct 20, 2020 3:41:27 PM

Oct 18, 2020 Homily by Fr. Karl Schray

The question as to whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar was a serious one,

and it really put Jesus in a spot. If he said it was lawful, he would be regarded

as a traitor to the Jewish cause and the Jewish religion. If he said it was unlawful,

he could be denounced as fomenting rebellion against Rome.

The question posed to Jesus in today’s Gospel was an attempt

to draw him into the world of politics. Politics has a bad name today.

Hence, sometimes Christians avoid politics, law-making and yes, even voting.

They hesitate to speak up about social justice and moral issues.

But when they do this, they are leaving these things to others

who may not be motivated by social justice and Christian values.

The truth is that the real Christian is a good citizen of his country and a

good citizen of the Kingdom of heaven and he will not fail in his duty to either.

Remember the important message in Jesus’ answer—Do not forget to give to God

what belongs to God (love, prayer, sacrifice, and obedience).

St. Thomas More was the Prime Minister of King Henry VIII who decided to appoint himself head of the Church in England in 1534. The King begged his friend but More would not agree to this. The King ordered him to be beheaded. Thomas More declared “I die the King’s loyal servant but God’s first.”

In his answer, Jesus allowed for limited cooperation with the Romans,

but he did not allow for cheating God of what rightfully was owed to God.

I am afraid some of us find it much easier to cheat God than

to cheat the government. If we cheat on our taxes, someone may soon notify us

that we owe more than we claimed.

If we cheat on the time, we owe God, no angel will come knocking,

but it is our loss if we do not meet our obligation to God.

What we have lost by cheating God can only be regained by a change of heart.

Archbishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador had his eyes opened when he saw how

the dictators were terrorizing the poor with American weapons. He said:

“A preaching that does not point out sin

Is not the preaching of the gospel.

A preaching that makes sinners feel good,

so that they become entrenched in their sinful state, betrays the gospel’s call.

A preaching that awakens and enlightens--as when a light is turned on

awakens and of course annoys a sleeper—

that is the preaching of Christ, calling: Wake up! Be converted!

That is the Church’s authentic preaching.”

There are so many little Caesars vying for a piece of our conscience.

There is

the country, the political party, the company, and others who influence us.

However, we must give God the first and highest claim on our loyalty.

Whatever else we must give to Caesar,

let us make sure that we do not give him our conscience.