"GOD IS FAITHFUL" - 10/22/23 (Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

From the Gospel according to Matthew

Mt 22:15-21

The Pharisees went off

and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech.

They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying,

"Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man

and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.

And you are not concerned with anyone's opinion,

for you do not regard a person's status.

Tell us, then, what is your opinion:

Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?"

Knowing their malice, Jesus said,

"Why are you testing me, you hypocrites?

Show me the coin that pays the census tax."

Then they handed him the Roman coin.

He said to them, "Whose image is this and whose inscription?"

They replied, "Caesar's."

At that he said to them,

"Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar

and to God what belongs to God."

REFLECTION: 

At that He [Jesus] said to them, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God." At that time, the suffering of Jesus was near. His answer in the Gospel about the tax seemed to be a reminder that He would also redeem us from our sins. In His redemption for us, money is not the payment but His Holy Body and Blood. God paid for our sin even though He was not the One who sinned. Shouldn't we also do what's just? Paying taxes is one example. But, it can also do a lot of things.  Let's do our duty at home, government, and Church. Today is Sunday. It is our holy day of obligation to go to church. Are we giving what is due to God? Do we grant His request at least one hour every Sunday? Fulfillment of duty and faithfulness can be measured when we give what is due to God and to man. In doing business, are we honest and not cheating? In school as a student, do we do our best and not use others to do what we should? We can follow the message of the Gospel today in many ways and aspects of our lives. God is faithful. As His children, it is our duty to follow and imitate Him. Amen.  +

- Marga de Jesus

Source:

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/word-of-the-day.html

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Saint John Paul II, Pope—Optional Memorial:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/october-22---st-john-paul-ii-pope

(Not celebrated as a liturgical memorial this year since it falls on Sunday)

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth