October 19, 2008, 29th Sunday in OT, Cycle A

There are dozens of different opinions about what today’s Gospel means. Without getting too deeply into that debate, we can safely say that when Jesus mentions Caesar and God in the same sentence, He seems to be addressing “power.” Isaiah is also addressing “power” in his oracle that comprises the first reading. Isaiah sees that this “foreign, pagan, Gentile dictator” is actually merely a “pawn” of God. He has “power” (he was the first “world emperor” in the ancient near east), but GOD put him where God wanted him so that he could do God’s bidding–in this case: rebuild the state of Judah and the city of Jerusalem. Christ recognizes a power in Caesar, but He, too, seems to see it as inferior to the Real Power: that of God. St. Paul speaks of the “power of the Holy Spirit” which touched the Thessalonian Church. So, the question for us is: when we are feeling weak and powerless, inferior and vaguely debased, how do we find strength? Where do we go for power? Do we shop? Do we manipulate our kids, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, our people? What do we do? The readings suggest something deeper, more interior, and more connected to God, the Source of All Power. May you be powerful this week in this sense of deep connection to Goodness. God bless.