by Br. Antony Maldonado, O.S.B.


     “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?”  That was the tricky question the Pharisees asked Jesus in order to entrap Him.  The key word in it is “lawful”.  The law of the Jews (Torah) was written centuries before the Roman rule over Israel.  It does not cover the scenario or Jews having to pay any taxes to a foreign nation.  So any opinion on this regard would have to be an interpretation of the Law.  Needless to say, Roman occupation in Israel was bitterly resented.  Any person giving an opinion on that situation would have to be extremely careful.

     Jesus did not fall into the trap that the Pharisees had set.  He saw no contradiction between giving economic support to the government and giving God what is due to God, even though his contemporaries hated having to give money to an invading imperial power. 

     Thank heavens we are not in that situation.  The taxes we pay today are from this country and for this country.  They are our contribution to government, to be used for the common good:  infrastructure, education, public service, etc.  And since some of it is used for the well-being of the poor, it becomes – though indirectly – a work of charity (something we often neglect to do).

     And what about giving God was is due to God?  We should be mindful of God by our thanksgiving, for all blessings and spiritual and material.  We should strive for union with God by frequent prayer – presenting ourselves, our needs, our concerns for ourselves and others in His presence.  We should work to build up His Church, from our local communities to a worldwide fellowship in faith.  And of course, our increasing awareness of all things related to God would again connect us to our brothers and sisters when we learn to see God in all of them, especially those in most need.

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