St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Emmaus, PA
Reflections on The Season of Pentecost
The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, October 18, 2020
By Rev. Jane Bender
Dearest Family and Friends of St. Margaret’s,
Greetings to you this mid-October already! I hope and pray that you are holding fast with patience and perseverance during this difficult time. You are in my daily prayers that God will comfort and strengthen you.
This week we have a Gospel reading that is familiar to Christians and non-Christians alike. Indeed, it is a phrase known in the common vernacular: “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
The Pharisees were essentially asking Jesus a “trick question” to endeavor to discredit him. They asked: ‘Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s” Then Jesus said to them: “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When Pharisees heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
Of course, Jesus and his Jewish community were living under the power of the Roman Empire, Herod to be precise. There was constant tension. The Herodians and Pharisees knew fully well the consequences of defying the Roman empire and have been negotiating with it for decades.
But, here, Jesus is teaching about what it means to live one’s religious life in the midst of occupation.
However, the ultimate explanation is far less about taxes and more about how we relate to the government vs. how we relate to God.
As one commentator stated:
“It’s difficult to formulate an exact method for Christians to relate to the government. Not every law passed is moral, and not every government official deserves our respect. The Bible itself records instances where rebels are commended for resisting or overthrowing a wicked ruler. But just as we can’t use the Bible to justify unconditionally obeying everything the government says, we likewise can’t use the Bible to justify the complete opposite behavior. Whatever conclusion you come to should be reached through much thought and prayer about the proper way to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s.”
In this fraught election season, we are called to weigh our moral, Christian principle with the principles being set forth by the two political parties. We are called to be both in the world – but not of it. We are called to apply our moral convictions. Keep the faith!
Jane+
“Cast your vote, not on a partisan basis, not based on your biases, but vote your values.
Vote the values of human dignity and equality.
Vote the values of the rock on which this country was built. Vote.”
~ Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
Continuation of Reflection on
“rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s”
From another biblical commentator:
Part of our learning from this text could be around how we, as Christians, learn to interact with the governing authorities and yet maintain our identity and honor our callings as Christians.
For some, this may be easy. Their government and their conscience may line up pretty closely.
Others may find this more and more difficult as government continues to be at odds with their conscience.
Prayers of the People from the Episcopal Church, Office of Government Relations (excerpt)
Loving God, creator of this world who is the source of our wisdom and understanding, watch over this nation during this time of election. Help us to see how our faith informs our principles and actions.
Intercessor: God, our creator,
People: Guide us in truth and love.
We give thanks for the right to vote. Help us to hold this privilege and responsibility with the care and awareness it merits, realizing that our vote matters and that it is an act of faith.
Intercessor: God, our creator,
People: Guide us in truth and love.
Guide us through this election as a nation, state, and community as we vote for people to do work on our behalf and on the behalf of our communities. Help us to vote for people and ballot initiatives that will better our community and our world so it may reflect the values Christ taught us.
Intercessor: God, our creator,
People: Guide us in truth and love.
Help us create communities that will build your kingdom here on earth – communities that will protect the poor, stand up for the vulnerable, advocate for those who are not seen and heard, and listen to everyone’s voice.
Intercessor: God, our creator,
People: Guide us in truth and love. Amen.
View our Virtual Service on YouTube
(Available 9:00 AM the Day Of and Thereafter)
A thoroughly inspiring read. Thank you jane.