As we approach the end of the liturgical year, the readings for the XXII Sunday after Pentecost call us to reflect on our growth in Christ and the responsibilities of our faith. Philippians 1:6-11 and Matthew 22:15-21 together paint a picture of confidence in God’s transformative work within us and the duty to live faithfully in a world that challenges our commitment.
Confidence in God’s Work – Philippians 1:6-11
Paul’s words in Philippians 1:6 offer a powerful message of assurance: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” The apostle expresses deep confidence that the work God has initiated in the lives of believers will be brought to fruition. This confidence is not based on the merits of the Philippians but on God’s faithfulness. As St. John Chrysostom explains, Paul reminds the community that it is God who works within them, “not as though this came of themselves, but that they might not be elated” (Homily on Philippians 1). The growth in holiness and love is a divine process; we are recipients of grace, participating in it through our cooperation.
Paul’s prayer for the Philippians is filled with love and concern, desiring that their love “may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight” (Phil. 1:9). This request underscores the transformative nature of Christian love—it is not stagnant but constantly seeks greater understanding and discernment. St. Augustine echoes this thought by explaining that the more we love God, the more our hearts are enlightened to pursue what is good and just (Sermon 25 on the New Testament).
Living in the World – Matthew 22:15-21
In Matthew 22:15-21, Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees and the Herodians, who try to trap Him with the question of whether it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. This incident illustrates the tension between religious obligations and secular demands. Jesus’ response, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s,” offers a profound principle for navigating this tension.
Jesus does not simply dodge the question; rather, He reframes it to emphasize the distinction between the obligations we have towards earthly authorities and our ultimate duty to God. The Church Fathers, such as St. Jerome, saw this as a call to prioritize our allegiance to God, even while fulfilling our civil responsibilities (Commentary on Matthew). Tertullian, in De Idololatria, elaborates that while Christians are to respect civil authorities, their supreme loyalty belongs to God, whose image we bear.
Integrating Faith and Practice
Together, these passages urge us to integrate our faith with our daily lives, living out the confidence we have in God’s work within us while navigating the responsibilities we encounter in the world. The growth Paul speaks of in Philippians—abounding love, knowledge, and discernment—finds its expression in the choices we make, including how we relate to authority and engage with the world.
St. Ambrose’s reflection reminds us that “God’s image is imprinted in the soul,” which implies that rendering unto God means offering our very selves, in acts of worship, love, and justice (Exposition of the Gospel of Luke). Our life in Christ involves not only interior transformation but also outward expression in fulfilling our duties towards others and society.
Conclusion
The XXII Sunday after Pentecost invites us to contemplate our confidence in God’s faithfulness and the call to live responsibly in the world. As we await the completion of God’s work in us, we are called to abound in love, deepen our understanding, and discern the good. At the same time, we are reminded to render unto God the devotion He is due, reflecting His image in every aspect of our lives.
May we continue to grow in grace, aligning our hearts with God’s purposes as we fulfill our duties in this present age, confident that He who began a good work in us will surely bring it to completion.