Sunday, April 07, 2024
Sunday Reflection: Tax Day
Tax Day is a weird thing in the US-- April 15 is almost like a holiday, with the date etched in the minds of adults. And with it comes a lot of moaning and complaining about paying taxes, usually from the wealthy (since they are paying; others are happy about getting refunds).
Of course, there are things to conflict anyone about paying taxes. For some of us, the proportion that goes to bombs and warships is troubling. For others, the idea that their taxes might support "welfare" for someone makes them mad. To my mind, that latter attitude-- usually coming from Christians-- seems contrary to the faith. We're supposed to give gladly to the poor, after all, if you accept Jesus's directives.
Some people, of course, will say that supporting the poor is something individuals and private groups should do, not the government. That seems to be a pretty cramped view of God's Kingdom, doesn't it? That the values Jesus taught should apply to some of our lives but not others?
At any rate, Jesus was pretty clear about taxes in Mark 12:
13 Then they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. 14 And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere and show deference to no one, for you do not regard people with partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? 15 Should we pay them, or should we not?” But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it.” 16 And they brought one. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this and whose title?” They answered, “Caesar’s.” 17 Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him.
At the very least, that makes it clear that we shouldn't care so much about money, which is of this world rather than God's. But... not caring about money is a very hard thing for most of us (including me). But maybe that is where it matters most?
