Daily Readings - Sun Oct 22 2023
Isaiah
1Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed:4For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I name you, though you do not know me.5I am the LORD, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; I equip you, though you do not know me,6that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the LORD, and there is no other.
1 Thessalonians
1Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:Grace to you and peace.2We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers,3remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.4For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,5because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
Matthew
15Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his talk.16And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances.17Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"18But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why put me to the test, you hypocrites?19Show me the coin for the tax." And they brought him a denarius.20And Jesus said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?"21They said, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound insights into God’s universal plan and our role within it. The first reading from Isaiah introduces Cyrus, a Persian king, as an instrument of God’s will, highlighting that God works through unexpected individuals and circumstances to fulfill His purposes. This passage underscores God’s sovereignty and the notion that He alone is the source of all power and truth.
The second reading from 1 Thessalonians shifts our focus to the transformative power of faith. Paul commends the Thessalonians for their vibrant faith, which is evident in their actions, perseverance, and love. This reading reminds us that genuine faith is not passive but actively shapes our lives and interactions, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about living faithfully in the world. When questioned about taxes, Jesus’ response emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our duties in the earthly realm while prioritizing our commitment to God. This teaching encourages us to navigate the complexities of life with integrity, ensuring that our actions reflect our faith and values.
These readings collectively invite us to embrace a holistic approach to faith. Just as God works through all people and circumstances, our faith should permeate every aspect of our lives. We are called to trust in God’s plan, live out our faith with authenticity, and maintain a balance between our earthly responsibilities and our divine calling. Let us strive to be instruments of God’s will, living with the same faith, endurance, and love exemplified by the Thessalonians, and rendering to God what is rightfully His in every area of our lives.