Give what is caesars to ceasar

De Ladurantaye is director of the Office of Sacred Liturgy, secretary for diocesan religious education, a professor of theology at Notre Dame Graduate School and in residence at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington, Virginia.

This article courtesy of the Arlington Catholic Herald. Catholic Exchange is a project of Sophia Institute Press. Email Login. Catholic Exchange.

Paul de Ladurantaye. By Fr. Subscribe to CE It's free. Most Shared. But what does the phrase really mean, why did Jesus say it, and how does it apply in a world where there is no longer a Caesar? The exchange is recorded in three of the Gospels, Mark , Luke , and in Matthew Here is the account as recorded by Mark:. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?

And whose inscription? In the context of the time Jesus lived in, Caesar represented the Roman government that harshly ruled Israel. The phrase applies to us in this way: every person on earth lives under the authority of a government, and Jesus instructs us to honor that government to the extent that we can. This applies to a healthy, free government as much one that is as cruel as the Romans were.

This is not an easy teaching, nor is it meant to be. Yet there is a great deal of peace and security that comes from understanding it, especially in turbulent time such as ours. This encounter stands out as one of the greatest conversations in recorded history.

Those familiar with Scripture are used to the Pharisees questioning Jesus and trying to catch him in a trap. However, the Herodians are also in on this one. So who are the Herodians? To be clear, these two groups had nothing in common except a common dislike of Jesus and his growing group of followers. The question is set up in such a way that if Jesus says paying Roman taxes is acceptable, then he will be speaking against those who hate the Roman government. This would have played into the hands of the Pharisees who would not dare say such a thing themselves.

However, if Jesus said he opposed the tax, he would find himself at odds with the Herodians and supporters of the Roman authorities, and Jesus would now be considered an open enemy of Rome. It appeared to be a win-win for these opposing forces to join together against Jesus. Hence, civil society, established for the common welfare, should not only safeguard the well-being of the community, but have also at heart the interests of its individual members, in such mode as not in any way to hinder, but in every manner to render as easy as may be, the possession of that highest and unchangeable good for which all should seek.

Wherefore, for this purpose, care must especially be taken to preserve unharmed and unimpeded religion whereof the practice is the link connecting man with God. Secondly, action may relate to private and domestic matters, or to matters public.

As to private affairs, the first duty is to conform life and conduct to the gospel precepts, and to refuse to shrink from this duty when Christian virtue demands some sacrifice slightly more difficult to make. All, moreover, are bound to love the Church as their common mother, to obey her laws, promote her honour, defend her rights, and to endeavour to make her respected and loved by those over whom they have authority.

It is also of great importance to the public welfare to take a prudent part in the business of municipal administration, and to endeavour above all to introduce effectual measures, so that, as a Christian people, public provision may be made for the instruction of youth in religion and true morality.

Upon these things the well-being of every State greatly depends. The only difference is that I now know that verse 22 has a much more special meaning.

I walked away from this verse and was amazed. He wrote this almost years ago, yet it is as fresh today as it was then. Comment below. I have a B. I am Certified to teach 9 different subjects and have Principal, Supervisory, and Superintendent Certification. I have thirty years experience as a secondary school teacher, coach, and principal. I am currently teaching at Del Valle High School and I'm the Director of World Class Schools- high schools all around the world who are actively doing video conference projects.

I have written for over thirty Professional Journals, and wrote the Extra Points monthly column in Texas Coach Magazine from This column would be timely and give people a much greater insight into early church and it's influence on Catholics today. Toggle navigation. Matthew Does this passage in the Bible mean that there should be separation of Church and State?

Pope Leo XIII explained: From the very beginning Christians were harassed by slanderous accusations of this nature, and on that account were held up to hatred and execration, for being so they were called enemies of the Empire.

Second, why is this important to know today- the relationship between the Church and State? Brothers and sisters, I began this article with this quote and I will end this article with this quote. Related Categories:. About the Author. Michael Cunningham. I am Certified to teach 9 different subjects and have Principal, Supervisory, and Superintendent Certification I have thirty years experience as a secondary school teacher, coach, and principal.

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