Democracy, for all of its benefits, is a messy sort of governmental system. Yet, what’s the alternative? Dictatorship, to the other exteme, is efficient. It certainly gets things done but the downside of such a system is not exactly desireable. One type of government, while slow, cumbersome, and at times messy, is certainly more representative of the people governed. We each have a vote and though we may disagree at times we do so with a war of words, not guns and violence.
The other form of government, while it may get things done, is a rule by fear. People obey the law because they fear the consequences – physical harm, imprisonment or worse, death. I’ll take Democracy any day. I would rather not be ruled by imminent fear for my life, thank you!
The Mass readings for today (2 Peter 3: 12-15, 17-18 and Mark 12: 13-17), however, seem to hear God almost making threats against us. Is this a God who rules by fear and trembling?
Peter writes, “ . . . the heavens will be dissolved in flames and the elements melted by fire. . . Therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned, be on your guard not to be lead into the error of the unprincipled . . .”
The Gospel from Mark likewise has a question posed to Jesus that may strike fear in the hearts of any taxpaying American citizen – you receive a notice of audit from the IRS. While the payment of taxes is as ancient as the Egyptians, those of Jesus’ time even asked him, “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” Jesus answer? – “’Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.’” Pay those taxes lest the “heavens be dissolved in flames . . .” Hold on, our God is not a God who rules by threats, force, or fear. For even today in 2 Peter we hear, “And consider the patience of our Lord as salvation.”
So, why the colorful “dissolved in flames” language? You know, sometimes we need to be shaken up a little. We fall into comfort or a certain dull sense of irresponsibility – “O, it’s not that bad. I didn’t hurt anyone.” Where have you heard or said that before?
The images of apocalyptic changes are striking. They speak of upheavels and significant natural transformations. Today we hear more from Peter about God’s plan, “But according to his promise we await new heavens and a new earth . . .” A new earth does not come about slowly or gently. Scientists tell us the universe was born not with a wimper or a cry – but with a “Big Bang.” God’s plan is coming – all things are made new in, “ . . . the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ . . .” God is to be obeyed, that’s a non-negotiable in a sense, but not a God to fear. For all are “made new” in Christ – this new way of life, this higher standard of morality, and more reverent and respectful behavior that values peace,harmony, and love in Christ over violence and fear. We, as a Christian people, are called to be good citizens of this “new” earth.
Jesus response to those who questioned him was an absolutely genius way to escape from the trap they tried to place him in. Should we pay taxes to Caeser or not? If Jesus had said “no,” he would have been aligned with those who wanted to overturn the occupying force of the Romans – zealots and rebels; If he sais “yes,” he would be seen as partnered with Rome. Either way, it was a “loose/loose” situation for him. What does he say?
“Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God . . . “ (Mk 12: 17). Perfect answer!
As a faithful Jew, as followers of Jesus Christ, we know well what the law of God teaches us in the Ten Commandments: “You shall not have other gods besides me . . .” (Exodus 20: 2). In other words, Jesus implies, “Be good citizens. Obey the law, pay your taxes, contribute to the secular government over you. Be citizens of peace and good examples to those around you. But, never forget that the law of God is at the root of all law/authority. God is ultimately Lord of our lives.”
Well, whether it be democracy or socialism, or something far less desireable, such command from God is not always an easy fit. We are citizens, as St. Augustine wrote in his 5th century work, City of God, of both a heavenly kingdom and an earthly one. The tension between the two is never a perfect fit but ultimately, our home is a heavenly destiny. When it comes to push, we follow the dictates of our faith, the law of God, while at the same time serving those around us, regardless of political or religious, or non-religious affiliation, in love and service after Jesus’ own example. The Church points to examples of good Christian citizenship.
Today, we remember from the list of our Christian heroes, St. Justin the martyr. Here is one example of a good citizen but of one who was not compromised nor sold out his own soul to protect his reputation or guard his life or to find votes. Justin wrote, after his conversion at the beginning of the second century, in defense of the Christian faith. He held public debates in defense of the Christian religion – he bucked the secular system and paid for it with his life around the year 165. He refused to follow the pagan gods and obey the emperor as a semi-divine being. He was not the cause of violence but stood and died as an authentic witness to the Gospel.
Sounds to me like a good citizen of God’s “new heavens and new earth.”
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