The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech. They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone's opinion, for you do not regard a person's status. Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?"
Knowing their malice, Jesus said, "Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin that pays the census tax." Then they handed him the Roman coin. He said to them, "Whose image is this and whose inscription?" They replied, "Caesar's." At that he said to them, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."
In the Gospel today, the Pharisees come up with a plan to trap Jesus during one of their debates by bringing up the hot topic of paying taxes. They ask, “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” Jesus quickly distinguishes between the rights of God and those of human authority by showing that we are bound by our conscience always to choose God above all other authority.
You see, every Christian holds dual citizenship, and each one has its own benefits and duties. Our physical birth made us citizens of the human family, and our baptism made us citizens of God’s family. Sometimes these two citizenships overlap, but it’s obvious which one is more important.
Through the centuries, the saints have taught us that if we’re ever forced to choose between the two—in other words, if “Caesar” ever tries to take what rightfully belongs to God, we have to be faithful to our heavenly citizenship, even if it means suffering painful consequences here on earth.
The coin that the Pharisees showed Jesus had the face of Caesar on one side and the numerical value of the coin on the other. But although there are two sides, there is only one coin. “Give to God what is God’s” is not an alternative to “giving to Caesar”. A Christian should work for progress and wellbeing here on earth, but always in accordance with Gospel values. Every time the Church proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ, she reminds us—and society—that God’s authority always come first.
“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s” is simply recognizing the legitimate rights and duties of civil authorities. It means setting up the right balance between the government of heaven and the governments of the world. For example, you shouldn’t give to the Caesar of economy if it means treading on the rights of life, work, education, and the dignity of the human person. You shouldn’t give to the Caesar of power or success if it means sacrificing other people to die of hunger and thirst or who are victims of war and terrorism.
This is why Christians, the citizens of heaven, are always admonished by the Church to work at improving and transforming the world according to the justice and charity of Christ. We are called to form a social conscience that compels the kingdom of Caesar to create communities of peace, service and progress—communities that will always respect life, take care of the environment, and protect the family, culture and religion of all people.
One day we’ll come to the end of our earthly citizenship. When that happens, how will we be judged by God? John of the Cross tells us, “In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone.” May we always show our love for others here on earth and so prove to the world that our true citizenship is in heaven.