Henri Boulad: History Today

In his homily on Sunday October 18, 2020, the Jesuit scholar Fr. Henri Boulad interpreted history as listening to the Spirit of God. In his homily (in French titled "Comment lire l’histoire aujourd’hui ?" here), he explored the Biblical narrative of the pagan emperor Cyrus the Great of Persia who, according to Isaiah, was dedicated to serve the Biblical God even though Cyrus did not know Him.Probably the most enlightening idea he uttered was "But Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19) indicating how the Spirit of God inspired her to foresee the messianic actions of her son Jesus.It was in this context that Jesus said "give to caesar what is caesar's" (Luke 20:25). Boulad said that today's presidents are elected by their people to be responsible for a mission that God wants them to accomplish. Years ago Pope Benedict XVI explored the theme "give to caesar what is caesar's". This is the text retrieved from CERC. Regarding the delicate issue of the relations to be maintained with the agencies of the State, particular enlightenment can be found in the invitation of the Second Vatican Council to follow the words and modus operandi of Jesus Christ. Jesus, indeed, did not wish to be a political Messiah who would dominate by force but preferred to call himself the Son of Man who came to serve, and 'to give his life as a ransom for many' (Mk 10: 45). He showed himself as the perfect Servant of God who 'will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick' (Mt 12: 20). He recognized' civil authority and its rights when he ordered tribute to be paid to Caesar; but he gave dear warning that the greater rights of God must be respected: 'Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God, the things that are God's (Mt 22: 21)'. Finally, he brought his revelation to perfection when he accomplished on the cross the work of redemption by which he achieved Salvation and true freedom for human race. For he bore witness to the truth but refused to use force to impose it on those who spoke out against it. His Kingdom does not establish its claims by force, but is established by bearing witness to and listening to the truth and it grows by the love with which Christ, lifted up on the cross, draws people to himself (see Jn 12: 32)"... However, if the image of Caesar was stamped on Roman coins which for this reason were to be rendered to him the human heart bears the imprint of the Creator, the one Lord of our life. Genuine secularism does not mean, therefore, leaving the spiritual dimension out of consideration but rather recognizing that it is precisely this that radically guarantees our freedom and autonomy from earthly realities, thanks to the dictates of creative Wisdom which the human conscience is capable of accepting and actuating.