.

 The Gospel brings transformative power by offering unconditional love,

forgiveness, and enduring hope through Jesus Christ.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Isaiah 45:1, 4-6

Thus says

The Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus: "I have taken you by the right hand to subdue nations before you

and strip kings of their armor, to open the gateways before you so that they will be closed no more.

For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen one,

I have called you by your name and given you your mission although you do not know me.

I am the Lord, and there is no other; there is no God besides me.

I armed you when you did not know me, so that, from the rising to the setting of the sun,

all may know that there is no one besides me; I am Yahweh, and there is no other."

 

Ps 96:1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10(7b) 

Give the Lord glory and honor.

 

＊＊＊ 2nd Reading ＊＊＊

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b

From Paul, Sylvanus and Timothy, to the church of Thessalonica, which is in God, the Father, and in Christ Jesus, the Lord.

May the peace and grace of God be with you. We give thanks to God, at all times, for you, and remember you in our prayers.

We constantly recall, before God, our Father, the work of your faith, the labors of your love, and your endurance,

in waiting for Christ Jesus our Lord. We remember, brothers and sisters, the circumstances of your being called.

The gospel we brought you was such, not only in words. Miracles, the Holy Spirit, and plenty of everything,

were given to you. You, also, know how we dealt with you, for your sake.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

Matthew 22:15-21

The Pharisees went away, considering how they could trap Jesus by his own words.

They sent to him their disciples, along with members of Herod's party, saying, "Master, we know that you are an honest man,

and truly teach God's way. You are not influenced by others, nor are you afraid of anyone.

So tell us what you think: is it against the law to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

But Jesus understood their evil intentions, and said to them, "Hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me?

Show me the coin with which you pay taxes." They showed him a silver coin,

and Jesus said to them, "Whose head is this, and whose name?"

They answered, "Caesar's." Then Jesus replied, "So give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and give to God what is God's."

 

Gospel Reflection ：

Lectio Divina

Recognize our responsibilities in society compromising our faith.

 

Read: In today's readings, Isaiah emphasizes God's sovereignty,

proclaiming that He empowers Cyrus to fulfill His purpose, showcasing Him as the one true God.

In the second reading, Paul expresses his gratitude to the Church in Thessalonica for their faith,

love, and hope, recognizing the power of the Gospel in transforming lives. Meanwhile, in the Gospel,

Jesus skillfully navigates a trap set by the Pharisees regarding paying taxes to Caesar

by reminding them to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God,

highlighting the relationship between earthly and divine responsibilities.

 

Reflect: In Matthew 22:15-21, Jesus ably addresses a challenging question about paying taxes,

emphasizing the balance between our duties to earthly authorities and our ultimate commitment to God.

His response, "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and unto God what is God's,"

calls us to recognize our responsibilities in society without compromising our faith.

As children of God, we are invited to honor Him through our actions and decisions as we navigate the complexities

of our worldly obligations. By fulfilling our responsibilities with integrity and demonstrating our faith in everyday life,

we reveal our identity as God's children and reflect His values and love to the world around us.

 

Pray: Lord, help me bear witness to you today in all I do.

 

Act: Am I faithful to my societal obligations? It is not yet too late to do so.