Walking with Jesus: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time A

For Sunday, October 18, 2026

Isaiah 45:1, 4-6; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5; Matthew 22:15-21


Let’s begin with an age-old question: Who do I follow? God? Or the government, entity, person in charge? We would respond, tactfully, “Well, it depends.” We learned this long ago, mainly from our parents — we did what we were told and, if we didn’t, all sorts of repercussions would result. The bottom line, I guess, would be for each person to ask what the rules are and decide to follow them or not. But this would bring its own questions: Are these good rules? Are they too restrictive? Are they illegal or immoral? Who — ultimately — is in charge?

Herein lies the conflict: As humans we feel that we are in charge. But difficulties arise when we are left to our own tendencies with the ever-present urges of evil — Satan. We do what we want to do because we want to do it. We have all gone down that road.

So how do we address this? We seem to divide our lives into two halves. A deeper reflection can lead us to knowing that more — all, really — belongs to God. God is in charge. Why? God created the whole universe and all creation. Some say they don’t believe God exists. God does exist. While we may not be able to comprehend how all creation came into existence, there is intelligence behind it and — most importantly — universal love. I found a statement that gives great insight into this love:

“With open arms God invites all into an embrace of love. As we have been embraced by God, so we are called to embrace all others.”

Now, do I do this? Why not?

Isaiah is a prophet who lives during the time of the Babylonian Exile (ca. 597-538 BCE) after Cyrus the Great of Persia has conquered Babylon. This event is the catalyst for the birth of the Jewish people, Jewish monotheism, the Hebrew Bible, and Judaism as we know it. Today’s reading is different, taking the form of a royal decree where God addresses a king in order to authorize him for some task. We might miss it at first, but here we have God addressing a Persian ruler who permits the Israelites to return to their homeland from Babylonian captivity and rebuild the Temple there. [Ezra 1:1-8] In this passage Cyrus is called “God’s anointed” [Isaiah 45:1], a title ascribed to Israelite kings and, particularly, Davidic kings. Thus a Persian inherits the role and function of the descendants of King David. This implies that Cyrus has been chosen by God and called by name even though he does not know the God of Israel. So God works through people who don’t even know that it is really God who is directing the events of history to bring about His divine purposes.

Today’s second reading is Paul’s introduction to the Thessalonians. He follows his usual model, naming his recipients and offering a greeting and good wishes for their fidelity to the gospel that has been preached to them. The Thessalonians have been remarkable in showing their faith, love and hope. Paul praises them for their active faith that produces fruit — most especially the love they show others in spite of the anger of the unrighteous and the suffering that they have endured. The Thessalonians trust in God and live accordingly. They certainly love being loved and chosen by God. We have been too. Do we live it?

The Gospel’s underlying concern is the issue of being faithful both to God and to a secular state. (That’s us!) Matthew’s secular state is comprised of:

• The Pharisees, who do not seem to approve of Roman (Gentile) rule over the Jewish people.
• The Herodians, who are Roman loyalists.
• The Zealots, who are vehemently opposed to the occupation.
• Others who have made peace with the occupation and sometimes have even benefitted from it.

Roman taxation is an issue that can easily cause people to take sides. It is with this very issue that the Pharisees hope to ensnare Jesus. If Jesus answers “no,” He can be accused of political insubordination of the type that might incite others to respond in kind. If He says “yes,” He will appear to have relinquished Israel’s boast of being a people bound only to God. Jesus knows what is at stake, calls them hypocrites and unmasks their ploy calling for a coin that can be used to pay the tax: “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” [Matthew 22:21] This has become one of the most popular one-liners in history because it offers a solution to this particular dilemma and demonstrates that it is possible to hold, in tension, loyalty to one’s principles and civic duty as long as neither causes harm. As I wrote above:

“With open arms God invites all into an embrace of love. As we have been embraced by God, so we are called to embrace all others.”

So I reflect on:

• How do I worship and serve God with my whole being?
• How am I declaring that the Lord is the King of the universe? (Psalm 96)

Sacred Space 2026 states:

“The words are very clear, ‘Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ The Pharisees constantly put Jesus to the test because they feared His influence. His followers knew that He taught the way of God in accordance with the truth.

“Jesus’ teaching about taxes is as revenant today as it was when He instructed the Pharisees. The amount of tax you are liable to pay may be as tiny as a grain of yeast, but that tiny amount contributes to maintaining hospitals, schools, emergency services and housing.”