Moral Truths

The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech. They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone's opinion, for you do not regard a person's status. Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?" 

Knowing their malice, Jesus said, "Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin that pays the census tax." Then they handed him the Roman coin. He said to them, "Whose image is this and whose inscription?" They replied, "Caesar's." At that he said to them, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God. (Matthew 22:15-21)

Jesus asked, “Whose image is this and whose inscription is on this Roman coin?" It was a very important question. We pay a lot of attention to images and inscriptions such as the one on a quarter where we read “United States of America,” “In God We Trust,” and “Liberty.”  If Jesus carried a coin, we suspect it also would have inscribed “In God We Trust.”  In fact, Jesus, our truthful man, was concerned about the politics of his day – the oppressive politics of Caesar, the authoritarian ruler opposed to justice, personal freedom, and liberty. 

We are aware of all sorts of inscriptions such as the one in the Lincoln Memorial directly behind the statue of Abraham Lincoln.  The inscription reads: IN THIS TEMPLE AS IN THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE FOR WHOM HE SAVED THE UNION THE MEMORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN IS ENSHRINED FOREVER.  

In addition to these words, two of Lincoln’s most famous speeches are inscribed on the north and south walls of the Lincoln memorial.  On the south chamber there is the Gettysburg Address displaying the president's strength and determination to see a successful conclusion to the American Civil War that meant reuniting the nation in which all were “created equal.”  

These words now speak to us about “Black Lives Matter” and combating racism and White Supremist thinking.  They also speak to the need for us Catholics to read and be guided by the USCCB new publication: “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: a teaching document on political responsibility of Catholic." It’s guidance for the Catholic faithful in the exercise of our rights and duties as participants in our democracy. The document states: "Catholics are better able to evaluate policy positions, party platforms, and candidates’ promises and actions in light of the Gospel and the moral and social teaching of the Church in order to help build a better world." It also states: "Some question whether it is appropriate for the Church to play a role in political life. However, the obligation to teach the moral truths that should shape our lives, including our public lives, is central to the mission given to the Church by Jesus Christ."

The document stresses that “the Church’s teaching is clear that a good end does not justify an immoral means. As we all seek to advance the common good—by defending the inviolable sanctity of human life from the moment of conception until natural death, by promoting religious freedom, by defending marriage, by feeding the hungry and housing the homeless, by welcoming the immigrant and protecting the environment— it is important to recognize that not all possible courses of action are morally acceptable. 

We have a responsibility to discern carefully which public policies are morally sound.  Catholics may choose different ways to respond to compelling social problems, but we cannot differ on our moral obligation to help build a more just and peaceful world through morally acceptable means so that the weak and vulnerable are protected and human rights and dignity are defended.”

Finally, on the north chamber wall of the Lincoln Memorial we find Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address delivered just one month before the conclusion of the Civil War.  Through this Address, Lincoln showed compassion for the southerners.  He emphasized, "…with malice towards none; charity for all.”

We all should remember Lincoln’s words after the November 3 Presidential election regardless of who wins.   Malice divides and prevents union.  We must try to be civil and abandon war-like language that fuels anger and hate.  Let’s focus on what is behind Lincoln’s head: IN THIS TEMPLE AS IN THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE FOR WHOM HE SAVED THE UNION THE MEMORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN IS ENSHRINED FOREVER.  Saving the Union – preserving the Union – must be enshrined in our hearts.  We must show malice towards none and charity for all, as difficult as that may be especially if our preferred candidate does not win.

Jesus understood and recognized malice – the intention or desire to do evil.  We just read in our Gospel: “Knowing their malice, Jesus said, ‘Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin that pays the census tax…repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."  Jesus knew those with malice in their hearts, and he knew them to be hypocrites.  

The question for all of us is: how will we be tested this November?   Do we belong to Caesar or God?  Do we subscribe to the mission given to the Church by Jesus Christ meaning moral truths shape our lives, and will we act accordingly?

Deacon David Pierce