Monday of 19th Week, Year II: reflection

Theme: Christians’ responsibility towards the state is sacrosanct.

Reading: Mt 17:22–27

One cannot be a true follower of Jesus if he doesn’t obey the laws of the state, contribute his quota for the development and growth of the state, and obey or support the good policies of the state. Jesus’ stance on payment of taxes, as shown in today’s gospel reading, is a clear pointer to these facts and is a great message to all who follow him.

The times Jesus was approached about taxes, he never gave a negative response; instead, he urged that the needful should be done as regards payment of taxes. This is a call to obey the policies of the state and to contribute towards the development of the state.

It often happens that when some people feel they have become very close to Jesus, they withdraw themselves from participating in initiatives for the development of their villages, communities and states. In certain cases, they regard such initiatives as mundane. Programs and policies that the followers of Christ should shun are those that go against the teachings of Christ and the natural law.

Following the footsteps of Christ, all Christians have the responsibility to contribute towards the development and growth of their communities and states, and they should do it even in situations where they are not bound to do it by the law. Exceeding righteousness should be our watchword.

Have a blessed and fruitful week

Fr Isaac C. Chima