Daily Readings - Sun Oct 22 2023
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
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.