Daily Readings - Sun Oct 18 2020
Isaiah
1"This is what the LORD says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut:4For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me.5I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me,6so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting men may know there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other.
1 Thessalonians
1Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.2We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by 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 simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.
Matthew
15Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words.16They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are.17Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"18But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me?19Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius,20and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?"21"Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the interplay between divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the call to live a life of faith and integrity. In the first reading from Isaiah, we encounter Cyrus, a Persian king who, though not an Israelite, is chosen by God to fulfill His purposes. This passage reminds us that God’s plan is universal and that He can work through anyone, regardless of their background or belief, to accomplish His will. It highlights God’s sovereignty and His ability to use even those who do not know Him to bring about justice and freedom for His people.
The second reading from 1 Thessalonians shifts our focus to the lived experience of faith. Paul praises the Thessalonians for their “work of faith, hardship, and charity,” emphasizing that their actions are a testament to God’s grace at work in their lives. This reading underscores the idea that faith is not merely a set of beliefs but a way of life that transforms us and compels us to love and serve others. It invites us to examine how our own faith is expressed in our daily choices and actions, and whether we are living as witnesses to God’s love in the world.
In the Gospel, Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees and Herodians, who attempt to trap Him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus’ response, “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s,” is a masterful teaching that transcends the political and religious tensions of His time. It calls us to recognize that our lives are lived in two realms: the earthly and the divine. While we have responsibilities to the world around us, our ultimate allegiance belongs to God. Jesus’ words challenge us to live with integrity, ensuring that our actions reflect our commitment to both civic duty and spiritual devotion.
Today’s readings, therefore, invite us to embrace a balanced and integrated approach to life. We are called to trust in God’s sovereignty, even when His ways seem mysterious or unpredictable. We are also called to live out our faith with authenticity, allowing it to shape our relationships, decisions, and actions. Finally, we are reminded that our ultimate identity and purpose come from God, and we must strive to honor Him in every aspect of our lives. May we, like the Thessalonians, be known for our faith, love, and endurance, and may we, like Cyrus, be willing instruments of God’s plan, even when we do not fully understand it.