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
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