Some of us may be actually living with split or different personalities (similar to the story of “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”). Some of us behave quite differently according to the situation or circumstances. For example, in the office, we may behave like a good, helpful and hardworking person in front of the boss or superior; but when it comes to other colleagues, we may begin to pick on a few who we think are a threat to our survival and advancement; or we may pick on those who we think are weaker or less capable, just to gratify ourselves. With friends, we may be jovial and cheerful, but when we are with family, our dark and discriminating side may emerge. In church, we may appear to be holy, prayerful and helpful, especially when the priest or bishop is present, but the moment we step out of church, our behavior and attitude towards our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ may change: some may even fight, quarrel, gossip, compete or belittle other parishioners.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus said: “Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar – and to God what belongs to God.” Is Jesus telling us to have different standards, attitudes, or behaviour for God and others? No. Jesus is not giving us an excuse for us to behave one way with God and another way with others. Does anything really belong to Caesar? Does anything really belong to us? No. Everything belongs to God, and we are merely stewards entrusted to the care of such things. So, whatever we do, whatever we have, whatever we supposingly own or have been given the privilege to use, are meant for us to glorify God; not for our own personal gain, gratification or glory.
In the same way, today’s first reading reminds us that everything ultimately belongs to God. In the reading, Cyrus was chosen “to subdue nations before God, and strip the loins of kings, to force gateways before Him, that their gates be closed no more.” God also reminds Cyrus: “Though you do not know me, I arm you that men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun that, apart from me, all is nothing.” Indeed, this shows that we really do not own anything and should not be too proud or conceited with our achievements and things. Instead, we should remind ourselves that we are merely servants, entrusted with things, responsibilities and titles for the greater glory of God.
Therefore, no matter where we are, no matter who we are with, we should act and behave as children of God. Our life in church, with family, at the working place, in school, in the restaurant or among friends should not have any distinction or difference, especially in what we say or do. What is the point if we go to church behaving like angels, and then in other situations or settings, we become like “hantu” or devils? Are we being genuine, loving, or true to our identity as children of God, brothers and sisters in Christ? Or are we merely playing games, thinking that we can get away with our nastiness, meanness or aloofness? Let us remember: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. (Gal 6:7-8).”
At the end of our lives, we would have nothing but our lives to give back to God. What sort of lives have we lived when we return our lives to God? Are we giving a life full of honesty, compassion, love and respect; or are we giving a life full of dishonesty, selfishness and sin? Let us choose wisely, for our eternal future.