Recall that the Pharisees were trying to lure Jesus into a
trap. If he said “YES”, that means that
he is betraying the nation. If he said
“NO”, they could easily turn him over to the authorities for being a renegade
against the Roman Empire.
His response is very crucial. Notice that the Lord, in his wisdom, did not reply
Yes or No; instead he says: “Whose inscription is on the coin. They replied Caesar. He then said: Render to Caesar what belongs
to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God.”
In his wisdom, Jesus manages to escape the trap of the Pharisees.
The Passage, highlights a hidden truth. Namely that political issues can often be a
source of quarrel, strife or division among people. For instance, every four years when we have
the Presidential Race, there’s bound to be conflict not only among the people within
the nation, but it also affects the Church’s family.
Because that can be the focus and on the
center stage, replacing our true purpose of worship and praising God.
Story: I recall spending time in Battleground, Washington at
a Parish called Sacred Heart for just one summer. After one daily Mass, a fight broke out in
the Parking Lot over bumper stickers.
They disagreed over Political Candidates. While there was nothing wrong with
disagreeing, and stating one’s political beliefs, but in ensued in some vicious
and physical violence. So much so, that
we had to call in the authorities and settle the matter. I often wondered whether the name
“Battleground” gave them the go ahead to do battle in the Church’s Parking
Lot. We had just finished the Mass, a
sign of Unity within the Church. And yet
it wasn’t long after, that some Parishioners quickly forget the commission to
“go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”
So it is important to be aware that Political Issues can often be a
source of division and strife among people, especially members of Christ’s
body.
Secondly, standing before them is not just another highly
respected, wise teacher. Standing before
them is the Only Begotten Son of God.
Standing before them is the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity. Standing in front of them is this great and
precious gift from God.
But they choose to focus on other things, and then value
those things as of equal importance to God or even more important than this
great gift standing right in front of them.
Jesus says: “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see, and the ears
that hear what you hear.” The Pharisees
were blessed to see God the Son, but they couldn’t see the significance of this
great gift.
It’s just like Last weekend’s Gospel, when people refused
the invitation because they had other important things to do than to attend the
Wedding Feast of the Lamb. So today,
this precious gift standing before them, but they couldn’t see its
significance.
Story: I recall a true story about a Pastor, who was given
two parochial vicars, or two assistant Priests to help him in the Parish. He felt sorry for them because they were from
another country, and it was difficult to assimilate to this culture. So, as a gift, he struck a deal with his own
brother who owned a Chevrolet company, and was able with the help of
parishioners to give these two priests a brand new car. But instead of appreciating this great gift,
they started a quarrel amongst themselves over trivial things. Such as your car is better because it has an
CD player, or surround sound system.
Word got back to the Pastor, and he ended up taking both of the cars
back. They quickly learned their lesson
and appreciate every gift they received.
Standing before us is the great gift of Jesus. Nothing else can be compared to this great
gift. Amen.
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