"How do we give to Caesar what is his while reserving to God what is His alone?"Neoticos Corner
Volume 4, Issue 2, January 30, 2009
In
reflection over the events of the past few weeks, one really can not
help but have some emotive reaction to the political outcomes of this
election season. While some are rejoicing at the result of this
historic election, others are quite troubled at the future they
perceive for this country. Unlike previous elections, I have yet
to discuss this matter with an individual not expressing some level of
excitement, disappointment, hopefulness or concern. Regardless of
what position we may find ourselves in, I think we could benefit from a
brief turning to God in reflection. This is not a reflection on
our government or political environment, but rather a reflection on
ourselves in relation to the signs of the times.
One of the basic principles of moral theology is that one may not do
evil in order that good may come of it. This should be kept in
perspective as we proceed lest the mistake could be made that it would
be defensible to violate one’s conscience in service of the greater
good. In short, the end does not justify the means and no
government has the authority to instruct you to perform any task that
is evil or sinful. That being said, our Lord lived in Palestine
during the Roman occupation. When he was questioned about paying
the tax to Caesar (and thus cooperation with the perceived Tyrant) he
replied “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesars, give to God the
things that are God’s (Mt. 22:21).” Reinforcing this notion, St.
Paul and the Apostolic Fathers (which were also under the Roman
authorities) echoed multiple mandates that Christians were to be good
citizens of the secular state. So how do we obey this
mandate? How do give to Caesar what is his while reserving to God
what is His alone?
I would humbly
suggest, regardless of our position prior to November, that we keep in
mind that our hope lies in Christ and not in man. Neither
misplaced hope in some newly elected savior, nor frustrated despair is
a helpful or appropriate response. As citizens of this great
nation we owe our support to the legitimately elected executive in so
far as it is morally permissible. We must now support our
President elect in prayer. Pray that God might guide him in
wisdom and compassion to pursue the common good. Pray that our
next President may administer justice respecting the kingdom of our
Lord and our freedom to worship and proclaim the gospel. Pray
that our President’s heart may be guided to respect the dignity and
life of all those under his charge, especially the unborn. Pray
for our homeland, for as the apostle says: upon her welfare rest your
own. Contact us:
Editor - compass@trailblazerswyd.org
Virginia: Senior editor of The Compass -
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secretary@trailblazerswyd.org
Father Paul Ward: Trailblazers Director -
director@trailblazerswyd.org
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