Author: SHSS

What Belongs to God? Human Dignity and Our Moral Responsibility

“Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?” To understand this question and the situation in which Jesus finds himself, it is important to understand its wording and context. First, let us consider the tax situation at the time of Jesus.

What issues belong to God, and what issues belong to Caesar? Is there really a difference? Is cutting food stamps for the poor morally correct? Should the program be monitored rather than ended? Is food a right or a matter of charity?

Using the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25, we might ask ourselves some questions.

Our responsibility to others

While it is understandable to keep our borders safe and to remove criminals for our safety, is it moral to arrest people without checking whether they are citizens?

If we are told to feed the hungry, is it moral to stop programs aimed at feeding the poor because some have abused the system, thereby depriving the poor of food? Or should the programs be monitored for fraud?

Is it moral to close hospitals in rural areas due to a lack of money when, in fact, we are spending money on defense?

There are many questions and many ways to address them. But when it comes to the care of people and the protection of their dignity, these concerns belong to God.

Msgr. Guy A. Massie
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Readings

A Special Parish Keepsake

We are excited to share a custom parish artwork tote created especially for this year’s Parish BBQ Picnic.

The design honors Mother Cabrini—our local saint—and her lasting connection to this neighborhood. It features a nostalgic Carroll Gardens streetscape, including the old Saint Charles Chapel, with a larger-than-life image of Mother Cabrini, whose ministry and service helped shape the community around us.

The artwork was created by parishioner John-Mark de Palma, whose design brings together our neighborhood’s history, faith, and local devotion to Mother Cabrini.

You will also see the name Carroll Gardens Catholic on the tote. This is not a change to either parish’s name. Sacred Hearts & St. Stephen and Saint Mary Star of the Sea remain our parish names. Carroll Gardens Catholic is simply a shared way to present parish information, events, and ministry in the neighborhood—reflecting the connection between our two communities.

The first 200 households at the picnic will receive this special keepsake. To help us share it fairly, totes are limited to one per household, in person, while supplies last. Additional totes cannot be reserved or picked up for friends or family members.