The liturgical readings for Feria III after the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost bring us to two passages that speak profoundly about Christian identity and the call to holiness amidst worldly challenges. Philippians 1:6-11 and Matthew 22:15-21 offer a powerful interplay between our growth in grace and the discernment needed to navigate the demands of earthly life with a heart set on the Kingdom of God. The wisdom of the Church Fathers helps illuminate the deeper spiritual dimensions in these passages, encouraging us to embrace our transformation in Christ while living prudently in the world.
Philippians 1:6-11 – The Confidence in God’s Work in Us
St. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, expresses a profound confidence: “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil 1:6). This assurance is not based on human effort alone but on the fidelity of God, who initiates and completes the work of sanctification within us. The Apostle prays for his readers’ “love to abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment” (Phil 1:9), aiming at a growth that is not only emotional but rooted in truth and the practice of virtue.
St. John Chrysostom explains that Paul’s confidence comes from observing the spiritual fruits already evident in the Philippians. He sees their willingness to cooperate with grace as a sign that God’s work in them is indeed progressing. Chrysostom remarks, “God, who has begun in you this spiritual work, will not leave it unfinished if you yourself do not forsake Him.” The Father’s commentary reminds us that while God initiates the work of sanctification, human cooperation is indispensable. We must continue to cultivate our spiritual lives through prayer, charity, and reception of the sacraments, allowing God to bring about His intended transformation in us.
Furthermore, the prayer for “knowledge and all discernment” emphasizes that our love must be informed by divine wisdom. St. Augustine speaks of the need for love that “seeks rightly what is to be loved, in what order, and in what manner.” Christian love should not be blind or sentimental, but should direct us to choose the good, avoid evil, and grow in the virtues that lead us closer to Christ. In an age rife with moral confusion, St. Paul’s prayer becomes especially relevant: our discernment must be keen, distinguishing between what is pleasing to God and what is contrary to His will, in order to “be pure and blameless for the day of Christ” (Phil 1:10).
Matthew 22:15-21 – Rendering to God and to Caesar
In the Gospel reading, the Pharisees, along with the Herodians, attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus’ response, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matt 22:21), is a profound teaching on the relationship between our duties in the world and our ultimate allegiance to God.
Origen reflects on this passage by emphasizing that while we owe certain obligations to earthly authorities, our highest duty is to God, who has stamped His image upon our souls. “The coin bears the image of Caesar; therefore, it is given to Caesar. But man is made in the image of God; therefore, let us give ourselves back to God,” he writes. This distinction places earthly duties in their proper context, reminding us that while we navigate temporal responsibilities, we must never lose sight of our eternal destiny.
The Church Fathers, including St. Ambrose, further interpret this passage as a call to live in the world without becoming of the world. Ambrose notes that we must fulfill our legitimate duties to society, yet always with a heart oriented towards God. By rendering to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, we recognize the legitimate authority established in civil matters. However, by rendering to God what belongs to God, we affirm that our ultimate purpose is to live according to His commandments and seek His Kingdom above all else.
Harmonizing the Two Readings – The Path to Holiness in the World
Taken together, Philippians 1:6-11 and Matthew 22:15-21 offer a blueprint for living a holy life in the midst of worldly demands. While we are confident that God is at work in us, transforming us into the likeness of Christ, we must also exercise discernment to maintain fidelity to God in a world that often pulls in other directions. The Gospel passage reminds us to keep a proper balance between our duties to society and our higher obligation to God, while the Epistle encourages us to abound in love that is wise and discerning.
The Fathers’ teachings here call us to a practical spirituality. St. Gregory the Great teaches that the discernment prayed for by St. Paul helps us “distinguish between good and evil, between what is truly just and what only appears so.” This echoes the call to give to Caesar what is his and to God what is His, always recognizing that the things of God are far greater and demand our utmost commitment.
As we continue in the season of the liturgical year approaching Advent, these readings remind us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. We must engage in the world with prudence, fulfilling our responsibilities, while allowing God’s work in us to come to full maturity. Let us take St. Paul’s exhortation to heart, striving to be “filled with the fruits of righteousness that come through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Phil 1:11), while also remembering that our citizenship is in Heaven and our true allegiance is to Christ, the King of Kings.
May the prayers of the Church Fathers inspire us to pursue a life where love abounds in knowledge and discernment, guiding us in rendering to God the worship and service that He alone deserves. Thus, with St. Paul, we can be assured that the good work begun in us will indeed be brought to completion.