Is 45:1, 4
1 Thes 1:1-5b
Mt 22:15-21

Faith, Hope and Love

From the first reading for this Sunday, we are told about the presence of the God of Israel in the life of Cyrus who eventually makes it possible for the exiled Jews to return home to Israel. The second reading speaks of how we are chosen to do the work of Christ living out the virtues of faith, hope and love. In the gospel, Jesus explains that we must give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.

We need to reflect on the words of Paul to the believers in Thessalonica as if they were being spoken by Paul to each of us today. 

We keep thanking God for all of you and we remember you in our prayers, for we constantly are mindful before our God and Father of the way you are proving your faith, and laboring in love, and showing constancy of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.  We know, too, brothers and sisters beloved of God, how you were chosen.  Our preaching of the gospel proved not a mere matter of word for you but one of power; it was carried on in the Holy Spirit and out of complete conviction.  (1Thes. 1:2-5a)

When we read I Thessalonians and other New Testament writings it becomes clear that faith is really love put into action. When we look at love, we see the example of Jesus. When we truly believe that Jesus died for us, that we are redeemed, that we are destined for eternal life together, then our actions will reflect these beliefs. When we deeply believe that God loves us. we will freely return that love. When we have hope we have an expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. As Christians, we hope to be with our loving God for all eternity. Paul is teaching that faith is made real through love. Love is made real through action. Hope leads us to believe that we have an eternal future with our loving God.

In today’s Gospel Jesus and the religious leaders in Jerusalem continue their tense exchange of questions and challenges. At this point the disciples of the Pharisees, together with the Herodians, try to entrap Jesus by their question about the payment of taxes. If he says no to the taxes, siding with the Pharisees, he will be accused of sedition against Rome. If he says yes to the taxes, he is siding with the Herodians, and will offend the popular Jewish religious position. Jesus’s answer to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God is still the guideline to follow.

This story reminds us that as Americans, our country’s earliest government determined that there should be a separation of church and state. As a democracy, we have no state religion, but rather, we have freedom of religion. We are free to practice our religious beliefs as we choose. As Christians, we respect our democracy and governing body, however, we do not have to agree with all the decisions made. We expect our leaders to have the best interests of ALL the people in the decisions they make. They have responsibilities toward ALL the people of this country – rich and poor, people of color, immigrants, etc. 

We live in a society where religious values are weakening, church participation diminishing, tainted reputations of civil and church leadership fostering apathy on the part of citizens. Paul’s teaching calls us to be strong in our beliefs and actions. Our theological and political decisions should always include our faith, hope and love because we are God’s chosen ones. Our lives should reflect that.

How do your religious beliefs determine your political decisions?

How can you keep your religious beliefs and your relationship with God strong in our world today?