Scripture Study for

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Understanding the Word

By Dianne Bergant, C.S.A.

Cyrus was the Persian ruler who permitted the Israelites to return from captivity in Babylon. He is called God’s anointed, a title ascribed to Israelite kings, and  particularly Davidic kings. Cyrus the foreigner is the agent of the release of the  Israelites, but their release is for the sake of the enlightenment of the foreign  nations. It is not by accident that Cyrus plays this role. God has specially chosen  him. This call occurred even though Cyrus did not know the God of Israel. God  works through people without their even knowing that it is really God who is  directing the events of history. 

Paul writes in his own name and in the names of two missionary companions,  Silvanus and Timothy. Apparently they were the three men who founded the  church in Thessalonica and now they are writing back to their own converts.  Paul speaks for all three men when he tells the Thessalonians how grateful the  missionaries are for their fidelity to the gospel that was preached to them. The  converts are remarkable for their show of faith, love, and hope. Theirs is an active  faith, one that produces fruits. Probably the most significant expression of faith is  the love that they show to others. 

The Pharisees hoped to set a trap to ensnare Jesus. They ask him to interpret  a point of law: Should the Jews pay taxes to Rome? If Jesus answers no, he can  be accused of political insubordination of the type that might incite others to  respond in kind. If he says yes, he will appear to have relinquished Israel’s boast  of being a people bound only to God. He says neither yes nor no, but directs  them to “give back” or “repay” what is owed to both Caesar and God. Jesus’  response suggests that one can indeed be loyal to both a religious tradition and  a secular power. It may be very difficult at times, especially when their claims  seem to conflict, but it is possible. 

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