"Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and unto God what is God's." These famous words of Jesus raise a question we still wrestle with today: What does authority really mean, and who truly governs us?
In this episode of A Word of Hope, Father Tom Lynch reflects from St. Pius V Parish in Chicago—standing before the First Station of the Cross, where Jesus is condemned to death by Roman authority. Fr. Tom explores the striking irony of Jesus' words: in a world where the Caesars were worshipped as gods, Jesus points to the one God from whom all things come. If everything belongs to God, then even our civil governance is ultimately God's.
Drawing on the biblical theme of stewardship, Fr. Tom invites us to see our leaders as stewards—entrusted by God with the responsibility to govern wisely and justly—and, in this season before an election, to pray that all who lead us seek the wisdom that builds a just society and brings God's will into the world.
**Scripture referenced:** Matthew 22:15-21 (Gospel for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time)
**In this video:**
- 00:00 Welcome from the First Station of the Cross
- 00:20 "Render unto Caesar" – today's Gospel
- 00:34 The question of authority and governance
- 00:43 Caesar as "god among men" vs. the God of Israel
- 01:12 The irony at Jesus' trial: "We are friends of Caesar"
- 01:33 Two sides of the same coin – everything belongs to God
- 01:57 Who are our governors?
- 02:09 Leaders as stewards of God's wisdom
- 02:39 Choosing leaders in a season of elections
- 02:52 A prayer for wisdom and understanding in our leaders
**About the Series:**
A Word of Hope offers brief reflections to inspire, challenge, and comfort you on your faith journey, featuring Father Tom Lynch from St. Pius V Church in Chicago, Illinois.
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