As we reflect on the readings for Feria II after the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, we encounter the words of St. Paul in Philippians 1:6-11, where he expresses confidence that God will complete the good work begun in the believers, and the challenge posed to Our Lord by the Pharisees in Matthew 22:15-21, where they attempt to trap Him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. These passages, taken together, speak profoundly about the Christian’s growth in holiness and the correct orientation of our loyalty to God and the temporal authorities.
Philippians 1:6-11: The Assurance of God’s Work in Us
St. Paul, writing to the Philippians, reassures them of God’s faithful action: “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil 1:6). The confidence Paul expresses is not in human effort but in God’s grace, which sustains and perfects the work of sanctification. He prays that their love may “abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,” leading them to be “pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”
The Church Fathers reflect on this passage with a profound sense of God’s providence and our cooperation with grace. St. Augustine emphasizes that the “good work” is initiated by God’s grace rather than our merits: “For He Himself, indeed, began His work by us, because He Himself stirred up our hearts to seek Him… Our free will is not destroyed by His grace, but is rather liberated” (On Grace and Free Will, Ch. 4). Augustine thus teaches that God’s action is both primary and continual, while human response is required for growth in holiness.
Similarly, St. John Chrysostom interprets St. Paul’s prayer for the Philippians as an exhortation to deepen in charity and spiritual understanding, which will lead to a life marked by discernment. He writes, “He does not pray for love alone, but for such love as may be with perfect knowledge… For in no other way can love be pure than by great carefulness” (Homilies on Philippians, Homily 2). This reflects the need for Christians to actively engage in the life of virtue, discerning good from evil, and striving towards the purity that St. Paul envisions.
Matthew 22:15-21: Giving to Caesar and Giving to God
The Gospel passage presents a scene where the Pharisees seek to entrap Jesus with a question about the lawfulness of paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus’ response is both wise and profound: “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matt 22:21). This statement underlines a fundamental principle: there are legitimate earthly authorities, but God’s claims over us surpass all.
St. Jerome explains that Christ’s answer shows His divine wisdom, evading the snare laid by the Pharisees. Jerome remarks, “He showed that they were ensnared in their own question, since by possessing the coin of tribute, they acknowledged themselves to be under Caesar’s dominion, and thus could not reject Caesar’s right” (Commentary on Matthew, Bk. 3). This teaching implies that Christians must respect lawful authority, but always within the context of their ultimate allegiance to God.
St. Augustine provides a deeper spiritual insight by interpreting Christ’s words in a symbolic way: “Just as the coin bears the image of Caesar, so man bears the image of God… Give therefore your money to Caesar, but reserve for God a conscience without stain” (Sermon 90). The likeness of God imprinted upon each soul calls for a total self-giving to God. This renders every aspect of our lives an act of worship, wherein even our responsibilities towards civil authorities are carried out in the light of our higher duty to God.
Integration of the Readings: Growing in Holiness Amidst Temporal Responsibilities
Taken together, the readings remind us that while we live in the world and have obligations to civil authorities, our ultimate aim is holiness and union with God. St. Paul’s confidence in God’s work in the Philippians points to a divine promise: God is constantly at work to sanctify us, enabling us to grow in charity, knowledge, and discernment. Yet, our response to this divine action requires us to live out our faith in practical terms, even in our relationships with the temporal order.
The challenge posed by the Pharisees to Jesus brings this reality into focus. We live under both divine and human authority, but the two are not equal. St. Thomas Aquinas, following the Fathers, teaches that all temporal authority is subject to divine law: “Human law has the nature of law insofar as it is in accord with right reason; and thus it is manifest that it flows from the eternal law” (Summa Theologica, I-II, Q. 93, Art. 3). Therefore, our engagement with worldly duties, such as paying taxes or civic responsibilities, should always be oriented towards our primary duty to God.
Practical Considerations for the Christian Life
Reflecting on these scriptures during this liturgical time encourages us to consider our own spiritual growth. Are we cooperating with the grace that God pours into our lives, striving to live in charity, and discerning the good? Are we mindful that every action, even in fulfilling temporal obligations, should reflect our commitment to God?
Moreover, Christ’s instruction to “render unto God” calls us to a deeper conversion, reminding us that our very being is a gift from God, and our lives should be lived as an offering back to Him. We are invited to examine where our loyalties lie and to ensure that our hearts are not divided by undue attachment to earthly concerns.
Conclusion
The readings for Feria II after the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, illuminated by the wisdom of the Church Fathers, guide us towards a deeper integration of our faith with everyday life. As we are assured of God’s ongoing work in us, let us respond with fervent love, discernment, and a wholehearted dedication to give to God what is God’s: our very selves, bearing His image and striving to be transformed into His likeness. In doing so, we render true worship and fulfill our highest calling as Christians.