Tuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

When Our Faith Is Questioned

One thing many Catholics experience today is being questioned about their faith. Sometimes it comes from a friend, sometimes from a family member, and sometimes from someone at work. And sometimes the question sounds less like a question and more like a challenge: “Why do Catholics pray to saints?” “Why do you confess to a priest?” “Why do you honor Mary?” “Why do you have statues in church?”

Most of us do not enjoy being put on the spot. When that happens, our first reaction is often one of two extremes. Either we become defensive or we become silent. We are not quite sure what to say.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is confronted by people who are not asking a sincere question. The Pharisees and Herodians come together and ask, “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” Mark tells us they are trying to trap Him. If Jesus says yes, some people will reject Him. If He says no, He could be accused of rebellion against Rome. They think they have Him cornered.

But Jesus does not become angry. He does not attack them. He does not walk away. Instead, He answers with wisdom. “Whose image and inscription is this?” “Caesar’s.” Then He says, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” And they are amazed.

Notice what Jesus teaches us. When challenged, He remains calm. When questioned, He speaks the truth. When confronted, He does not lose charity.

That is a lesson for every Catholic. Not everyone who asks us about our faith is trying to attack us. Some people are genuinely curious. Some are searching. Some have simply never heard a good explanation.

I have known people who became Catholic because they asked a question and a Catholic took the time to answer it kindly—not perfectly, not as a theologian, but with patience and respect.

Even when someone is challenging us, we should remember something important: our goal is not to win an argument. Our goal is to witness to Christ. Those are not always the same thing.

St. Peter, in today’s first reading, tells us to remain steadfast and continue growing “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” That means we should know our faith—not because we are looking for debates, but because we love the truth and because one day someone may genuinely need an answer.

The best response to questions about our Catholic faith is often very simple: know your faith, live your faith, and speak about your faith with charity.

People may not remember every answer we give, but they will remember whether we responded with patience, confidence, and love.

When others question what we believe, let us imitate Jesus—not defensive, not afraid, not hostile, but rooted in the truth, confident in our faith, and always respectful of the person standing before us. Sometimes the question being asked is not really about a doctrine. Sometimes it is the first step of someone searching for God, and our response may help them take the next step toward Him.