The Catechism of the Catholic Church helps us to answer some of these questions. The section in the Catechism on the 4th Commandment elaborates on not only the honor we owe father and mother, but also our relationship with civil authorities.
Firstly, it talks what Caesar owes his subjects. “Political authorities are obliged to respect the fundamental rights of the human person.” This is a matter of justice. Caesar must respect our fundamental rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our Declaration of Independence does a pretty good job at listing some of these rights, identifying that our rights don’t come from the state, but are more fundamental, they come from God.
Then the Catechism goes on to explain the duties of citizens: “Those subject to authority should regard those in authority as representatives of God, who has made them stewards of his gifts: "Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution.... Live as free men, yet without using your freedom as a pretext for evil; but live as servants of God." Their loyal collaboration includes the right, and at times the duty, to voice their just criticisms of that which seems harmful to the dignity of persons and to the good of the community.” The Catechism then goes on to explain some of our duties: “Submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one's country.”
The Catechism does a pretty good job to make clear that yes, we need to collaborate with our authorities, we have a responsibility to the common good, but then Catechism explains the limits of Caesar’s power. Catechism 2242 states: “The citizen is obliged in conscience not to follow the directives of civil authorities when they are contrary to the demands of the moral order, to the fundamental rights of persons or the teachings of the Gospel. Refusing obedience to civil authorities, when their demands are contrary to those of an upright conscience, finds its justification in the distinction between serving God and serving the political community. "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."
Then quoting the Acts of the Apostles, Catechism states: “We must obey God rather than men" Whenever Caesar hinders our ability to give to God what belongs to God, we must obey God first. That may bring the wrath of Caesar…if Caesar is smart he’ll back down, for in opposing the will of God he brings upon himself God’s wrath.
How do we know what belongs to God? Luckily, we don’t have to figure that out on our own, we have our bishops, we have our scriptures, we have our Catechism, we have our sense of faith nurtured through years of Catholic spiritual formation. We certainly pray for those who have distanced themselves from the font of truth. For to be separated from truth, they cannot hope to respond well to the demands of justice.
Today we honor two saints, the priest Marcellinus and the exorcist, Peter, martyrs mentioned in the first Eucharistic prayer. They were imprisoned and killed for their Christian faith, for obeying God rather than Caesar. May Marcellinus and Peter and all of the martyrs of the One True Church help us to courageously confess Christ in our own day and place, remaining true to Him in word and deed, loving Him with all of our heart, mind, and strength, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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That our bishops and all people of faith may remain vigilant in defending their religious liberty and that our President and all government authorities will preserve and protect authentic liberty and justice according to the moral precepts which come from God.
That religious indifference in our country and around the world may be transformed to radical commitment to the Gospel of Christ.
For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, victims of natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.
For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, for the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, for the deceased priests and religious of the diocese of Cleveland, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord.
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