Question of the Week - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
Both today’s Gospel (Matthew 22:15-21) and today’s question seem to imply a dividing line between what is God’s and what is Caesar’s, but my own heart leans in a different direction. A favorite parable (Matthew 15:13-16) reminds me that I am the salt of the earth (see v. 13) and the light of the world (see v. 14).
We live in a nation and a world that follow a definite set of human-made rules and laws, but we walk in the world as chosen daughters and sons of God who live by a higher command—the Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the Law of Love. Each day we go forth, honoring the laws while being true to who we are—the salt and the light—in our business dealings, our interactions with others, our workplaces, and our communities.
The seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching give us strong guidance regarding being the salt and the light in the world today. They challenge us to constantly work to:
- build a just society
- uphold the life and dignity of every human person
- seek the common good and well-being of all
- protect human rights and fulfill our responsibilities to one another, our families, and society
- consistently consider the welfare of the poor and the vulnerable
- uphold the dignity of work and the rights of workers
- see ourselves as part of one human family
- care for God’s creation
In light of today’s Gospel and the upcoming election, it is good to remember our Catholic faith (see usccb.org > Catholic Social Teaching). Our bishops remind us that honoring them will help us live “lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society.”
Mary Sellars Malloy has over forty years’ experience as a Catholic educator and lay minister. She is a frequent workshop presenter on prayer, liturgy, spirituality, the Sacraments, and the RCIA. Also, Mary leads retreats and parish missions throughout the country. Her goal is to encourage Catholics of all ages to appreciate and to live their Catholic faith.