Today we will have a special second collection for those who are affected by Helene and Milton hurricanes as our expression of solidarity with them. In times of calamity, we need to be charitable and generous to concretize our faith. St. Paul’s famous words, that faith without action is dead, reverberate in our minds and hearts. The US Bishops and our local Bishop Daniel encourage us to offer support for Church needs through Emergency Disaster Fund resources. Our holiness can be expressed through some charitable acts which are external manifestations of a loving relationship with God and an eagerness to do His will by loving and caring for others.
Two weeks from now, on November 5th we will exercise our right of suffrage. Probably, some of us have already sent our ballots by mail and some are anxious to cast their votes in person on election day. I don’t want to appear political, but I remind you to pray for a peaceful and orderly election. Let us pray for wisdom to know that we need God to make decisions which conform to the teachings of Christ and His Church. Reject those propositions that are contrary to our Christian belief; resist evil! Focusing on politician personalities is not important, but political agendas need to be scrutinized according to well-informed conscience to have a better view on all pressing issues our nation is dealing with. Decision is in our hands, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
In the epistle today, from the Letter to the Philippians, St. Paul is encouraging the Philippians by assuring them how much he prays for them, not only for their perseverance in their belief, but by their sanctification. We are all made in such a way, mirrored like Christ, to persevere in our fidelity to grow in righteousness and godliness.
God is the one who saves us by his great mercy because of His great love for us. He won’t leave us alone and continues to show His compassion and love in order to make us holy and to shield us in our flesh what He has done in our spirit. St. Paul mentions that God, who has begun good work in us at salvation, continues to transform us into His image, saving us from the practice and power of sin. Thus, we commit ourselves to undergo a daily process of spiritual transformation and conversion so that we may bear many good fruits of holiness and cooperate in “the sanctifying work of the Spirit.”
Our commitment is to do God’s good work until the day of its completion, that is, the day of Christ’s return when we shall see Him again. It is only then when God will use His fingers and have the sacramental touch to mold us like a heavenly potter.
In today’s gospel it is appropriate to reflect on which is our priority, to serve the emperor or to serve God. Jesus guides us in our understanding to give taxes to the emperor, which is what is being asked from you. Jesus pays taxes to the Roman government during His time. Therefore, in the same way we must give to God what is due to Him. What is meant by “what is due to Him?” It simply means that we have to offer our lives by seriously serving God righteously. We must foster holiness of life because a God-fearing people are good citizens. We will ask ourselves: Do I help my brothers and sisters in times of need? Am I paying taxes honestly? Do I give glory to God in every way I can?
Today’s gospel talks also about giving your tax to the emperor or to the state because that is what is asked from you, and give to God what is due to Him. What do we mean by “what is due to Him”? It simply means we have to offer our lives by serving God righteously. We will try to ask ourselves: Do I help my brothers and sisters in times of need? Do I give glory to the Lord my God in every way I can? Am I living my Christian life out of love and service to my family and community? Do I give to God what is due to him? All these are meant to give back to God and glorify His name by the good works we have begun in the service of our fellowmen.
Most of the time we are weak and easily tempted by the devil snatching us away from the love of God. However, we must have strong faith, to stand firm and not be afraid of all the deceiving ways of Satan. This gospel helps us realize that as we continuously offer praise to God, we too must be conscious and aware of our responsibilities as good Christians. Our being Christians will remain only words if we do not care and share both in words and in actions. Our simple act of faith through our loving works is our expression of thanksgiving for every blessing we receive.
We live in this world having a clear desire to follow its laws and be obedient to temporal leaders. That is the reason why we encourage everyone to vote and to elect civil leaders with God in their heart and be generous citizens to those who are in dire financial need. Our primary citizenship does not belong to this world; we belong to God’s kingdom. We must render to God what belongs to Him. Our every being, our hearts, our souls, our worship, our love and our allegiance belong to God. We are bound to give ourselves to God alone and keep His commandments for the sake of our love for our neighbors and country. We must allow God in our hearts to inspire, guide and move us to be the powerful force to arrive at wise decisions, moral actions and heavenly values for the sake of justice and peace.
May God bless us.
Fr. Arlon, osa
