Opening prayer: Lord of the universe, we gather in your name to share your word. Open our hearts to the message you have for us today. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sharing life: What are you most and least grateful for this week?
Facilitator reads focus statement: The first and third readings tell us that God is the King of the universe and that our first allegiance belongs to him. In the second reading, Paul sees the Spirit is active within the community as a result of his preaching.
If you have not read the commentary prior to the meeting, consider reading it either before or after you read each reading.
FIRST READING: Isaiah 45:1, 4-6
This reading is like a royal decree, a formal statement wherein God addresses a king to authorize him for some task. What makes this decree extraordinary is that it is addressed to a pagan king, Cyrus, who is unknowingly anointed by God to defeat the enemies of Israel and return the exiles to their homeland.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM 96
This is a royal enthronement Psalm celebrating God as the King of Israel.
SECOND READING: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5
For the next five weeks, the second reading will be from Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians. The tone of the book is warm, tender and positive. Paul obviously has great affection for this particular Christian community. In these opening verses, Paul warmly thanks God for the way the Thessalonians are growing in faith, hope and charity. He reminds them that their conversion was due to the power of the Holy Spirit working through him.
GOSPEL: Matthew 22:15-21
In this story, the Pharisees seek to "trap Jesus in speech." They ask him, "is it lawful to pay tax to the emperor or not?" The question was put to Jesus to see whether he would declare himself on the side of those who opposed paying taxes to the Romans (the Pharisees), or on the side of those who collaborated with the Romans (the Herodians). If Jesus said "yes" that the Israelites should pay taxes to Caesar, he would lose the esteem of ordinary Jews who very much resented the payment of taxes to the Romans. If Jesus answered "no" he could be accused of instigating rebellion against the state. Jesus’ response "give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God", suggests that one can indeed be loyal both to a religious tradition and to a secular power. It may be difficult at times, especially when their claims conflict. But at least it is possible.
Since God has dominion over the whole of creation, Caesar’s relative power is subservient to the ultimate power of God. All authority and power have to be evaluated in the light of God’s plan. It is for the people to decide whether in demanding tribute Caesar is reflecting the things of God."
Patricia Sanchez writes: "Everywhere we go we belong to God for we bear his imprint. We belong to God, not just in church but, in our homes, our work places and in the voting booth and we must bring God’s values to all of these places.
FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS
1. What verse, idea or image in the readings spoke to you most? Why?
2. Cyrus, a pagan king, was a most unusual source for God to use to achieve his ends. Can you think of a modern day example of God using an unusual or "enemy" force to bring about his goals?
3. In the second reading, Paul says that the success of his preaching is due to the power of the Holy Spirit. Can you name one way that you recently experienced the Holy Spirit helping you?
4. Jesus tells us: "render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what belongs to God" Who do illegal aliens belong to? God or Caesar? Some churches give them sanctuary because they say they belong to God. What do you say?
5. Some say economics and the arms race belong to Caesar and the bishops have no business sticking their noses into what belongs to the State (Caesar). Others say one cannot separate religion from politics since religious values (God) are supposed to guide and
RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD
Name one way you can act on today’s readings. Suggestion: Reflect and act on the truth that God is Lord of every area of your life.
CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION
Especially pray for government leaders, that they seek to protect and bring God’s values to their place of work and to their discussion of issues. ©