Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Frater Flaviano Villanueva SVD – Divine Word Seminary of Tagaytay
Tuesday 9th Week in Ordinary Time
One day God decided to watch a game between two world religions vying for the world basketball championships. The religion from the East cornered God and asked, “Lord, which of the two teams are you cheering for?” The leader of the religion from the West pressed on, “Yes Lord, tell us the team you are favoring.” After a teasing smile, God looked at the two leaders and remarked, “My sons, you are practically missing the point. I am here simply to watch and enjoy the game.”
The presence of Jesus surely irked the church leaders of His time. As a consequence, they were absorbed in trapping Him, hoping to dispose of Him. Thus came the devious question: “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” (Mark 12:14). Jesus responded craftily, raising the issue to a higher realm: “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God” (Mark 12:17).
First, it must be understood that Jesus acknowledged the importance of the role of the State. He saw the value of temporal rule as a means of establishing order, which could serve the kingdom of God. By drawing the line between religion and state, He was not playing favorites but safeguarding the wholeness and sanctity of the person. This harmony could be achieved when state and religion complement each other. Good governance, after all, is a concrete manifestation of God’s reign on earth (cf. Romans 13:1–2).
If only those entrusted with power and responsibility — in government, in the Church, and in families — could consistently strive to live with honesty, integrity, and a zealous spirit of Christian discipleship, then perhaps we could cultivate a culture of life over a culture of death. The question remains: how far are we willing to contribute and sacrifice to achieve this mission?
When politicians become obsessed with power and riches; when priests and religious act as messianic saviors; when parents become dictators over their children; when children become insensitive to the sacrifices of their elders; or simply whenever we move far away from God, thinking and acting as if we were gods — then both religion and state fail in their mission.
Religion and State may be distinct, but they can complement each other when those who govern and minister act in accordance with their respective calling and mission.
