BE A GOOD CHRISTIAN FILIPINO!
Paying
taxes was a big responsibility for the Jews. Under the Roman Empire,
they had to pay dues in order to be treated well in their very own land.
Taxes were a burden for them but they needed to comply if they did not
want to suffer. Jesus, a good Jew, knowing the consequences of not
paying taxes for Him and the Apostles, complied. After justifying before
His Apostles that they need not pay taxes, He still obliged them so as
not to offend the Romans. Joseph and Mary raised Him well, and so He
knew how to respect authorities. Although the Romans were invaders, He
gave an example to the Apostles about dealing with authorities.
Authorities are representatives of God. While we may
distinguish between tyrants and good rulers, respect for authorities is
always in order.
Unfortunately, in our country, the duty to pay taxes is marred by a lot
of issues. The government blames the citizens for not paying the
correct taxes, or not paying at all. Taxpayers also resort to a lot of
shortchanging schemes. They cite corruption by government officials as a
reason. Why pay when it will be stolen anyway? In the process, the
state suffers.
Still, Christians should follow Jesus’ example. His situation was
worse. They were paying taxes to foreigners. What is important is to do
one’s duty. What the government does with our taxes is their
responsibility. We cannot always assume that the taxes will be stolen or
used irresponsibly. While it is still our concern and we must exert
effort to do something about it, regularity, rather than exception, is
presumed.
When asked about paying taxes, Jesus answered, “Give to Caesar what is
to Caesar, give to God what is to God.” Many use this Bible passage to
justify the separation of Church and State. Jesus was not in any way
referring to it. He was actually encouraging the people to be
responsible citizens of their country and of the Kingdom. It follows
that, for Him, to be a good Christian is also to be a good Jew. In our
case, to be a good Christian is to be a good Filipino. Fr. Benny Tuazon
REFLECTION
QUESTIONS: How do you deal with authorities in your life? Specifically,
are you honest in paying your taxes? Or do you not pay at all?
Jesus,
teach me to be a good Christian by being a good Filipino — at all times
and in all ways. Help me to be a good example to my fellow Filipinos.
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