Daily Readings - Sun Oct 22 2023
Isaiah
1Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;4For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.5I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:6That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.
1 Thessalonians
1Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.2We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;3Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;4Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.5For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
Matthew
15Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.16And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.17Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?18But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?19Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.20And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?21They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto 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.