Vamshi Eedara csc –
Readings: Is 45: 1, 4-6; 1Thes 1:1-5b; Mt 22: 15-21
Today’s first reading speaks to us of the choosing by God, of Cyrus, to do his will, thus announcing the end of the exile of the people of God. In the second reading, St. Paul praises the people of Thessalonica for their life of virtues. Their faith, charity, hope, and all of their lives revealed that God truly chose them to be his witnesses before the entire world.
The gospel passage places before us the challenge of living in a world that is hostile to the Christian values. When we look at the socio-political scenario of many countries, we see that civil governments make laws that will compel the Christians to live against the Christian values. In the areas of marriage, abortion, and euthanasia, the civil governments are moving in directions completely against the teachings of Jesus. Societies are being brain washed and Christians who want to be faithful are being seen as old fashioned, outdated and enemies of progressive thinking.
We can give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but we cannot give to Caesar that which belongs to God. So, we are called today to prepare ourselves for facing conflicts, for being judged badly and for being seen as old fashioned. In fact, we might have to suffer for our beliefs. Let us trust and believe that God always gives us the strength to face all the challenges that come on our way.