I have a bus pass for Kitchener Waterloo. It is something I pay for as part of my tuition at University and I can’t opt out even though I don’t live in the city. For those of you who know me well, any thoughts about why it doesn’t significantly bother me that I am paying for something I do not, and really can not use? (Answer: Transit passes are something negotiated by student unions where they pool the collective money of all the students to get the best rate they can. Put simply, my paying for a transit pass enables other students to have a subsidized transit pass. In a small way, I am supporting other students.)
This is fundamentally how taxes work. Collectively, we, as a society, pool our money together to pay for things we as a society need. Roads, sidewalks, sewers, water treatment plants, hospitals, schools, policing, and many, many other things we often take for granted are covered by tax dollars. Of course, we also know that tax dollars end up covering lawyer fees, buy outs, cancelled contracts, vanity projects, and an assortment of questionable actions from less than moral politicians. We know there are those who seem to prioritise profits over people to the detriment of the environment and people on the margins of society.
Our Gospel reading today comes from a time when those in power behaved in ways that were downright harmful to the Israelites. Knowing this, faith leaders asked Jesus: "Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?"
Really, they are asking: Is it lawful to pay taxes to a system that brutalises the people? Is it lawful to pay taxes to a system that allows soldiers to force you to carry their load for a mile at a moments notice dropping whatever you are doing to serve them? Is it lawful to pay taxes to a system that treats you like second class citizens and threatens you constantly? Is it lawful to pay taxes to a system that would readily crucify you if they can find a reasonable excuse?
Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? The question is loaded because the system was rigged against them at that time. It is hard to focus on the positive things the Romans were doing – building roads and aqueducts, providing security, offering some level of stability – when you are also being marginalised. Jesus knows this. Jesus lives this. There’s a catch-22 here. Does he speak ill against the empire and risk its rath, or suggest marginalization is somehow justified? Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?
Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? The answer Jesus gives tells all who listen that it really isn’t about taxes. It comes down to our choices: "Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's."
Jesus acknowledges the power and authority held by the Romans. He also knows that each person holds God-given gifts that we can use. We each have something to offer to this world. Jesus challenges us to centre God’s gifts and use them well – giving to God what is God’s. This is how the seeds of change are planted, when people recognise each person as a gift from God and support and encourage their development. Change happens when we engage in relationships that are respectful and reciprocal. Change happens when we share our time, talents, and treasures in meaningful and just ways. Change happens when we choose leaders who support the well-being of all people.
Jesus led by example, being sincere, showing deference to no one, and not regarding people with partiality. May we give to God what is God’s, recognising the bounty of God’s gifts all around us, in Creation and in the wonder of the diversity of people and vote for people who do the same. This we pray as we sing: 434 The Love of Jesus Calls Us