Archive for October 17, 2026

Sunday Reflections with Dr Scott Hahn

Posted: October 17, 2026 by CatholicJules in Sunday Reflections
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Twenty-Ninth Sunday
in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 45:1, 4–6

Psalm 96:1, 3–5, 7–10

1 Thessalonians 1:1–5
Matthew 22:15–21


Caesar and the King

The Lord is king over all the earth, as we sing in today’s Psalm. Governments rise and fall by His permission, with no authority but that given from above (see John 19:11; Romans 13:1).

In effect, God says to every ruler what He tells King Cyrus in today’s First Reading: “I have called you … though you knew me not.”

The Lord raised up Cyrus to restore the Israelites from exile and to rebuild Jerusalem (see Ezra 1:1–4). Throughout salvation history, God has used foreign rulers for the sake of His chosen people. Pharaoh’s heart was hardened to reveal God’s power (see Romans 9:17). Invading armies were used to punish Israel’s sins (see 2 Maccabees 6:7–16).

The Roman occupation during Jesus’ time was, in a similar way, a judgment on Israel’s unfaithfulness. Jesus’ famous words in today’s Gospel, “repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar,” are a pointed reminder of this. And they call us, too, to keep our allegiances straight.

The Lord alone is our king. His kingdom is not of this world (see John 18:36), but it begins here in His Church, which tells of His glory among all peoples. Citizens of heaven (see Philippians 3:20), we are called to be a light to the world (see Matthew 5:14)—working in faith, laboring in love, and enduring in hope, as today’s Epistle counsels.

We owe the government a concern for the common good and obedience to laws—unless they conflict with God’s commandments as interpreted by the Church (see Acts 5:29).

But we owe God everything. The coin bears Caesar’s image. But we bear God’s own image (see Genesis 1:27). We owe Him our very lives—all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, offered as a living sacrifice of love (see Romans 12:1–2).

We should pray for our leaders, that like Cyrus they do God’s will (see 1 Timothy 2:1–2)—until from the rising of the sun to its setting all humanity knows that Jesus is Lord.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: October 17, 2026 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Many remain fearful of sharing the good news of the gospel with others because they are afraid that they don’t know enough of the faith and will be put in a spot if questioned about the faith.

Today’s gospel reminds us that we do not need to fear, for the Holy Spirit will guide us on what to say and how to say it. Even then, if they reject us, they do not reject us, but they reject our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who has come to save everyone from death and sin.

We should therefore grow deeper in the intimate relationship with Him. In doing so, and witnessing the power of Christ within us, we can carry His presence with us wherever we go. Then we will grow in the boldness of sharing Him with others.

Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Father. Thank you, Holy Spirit. Amen.

Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop, Martyr pray for us…


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First reading
Ephesians 1:15-23
Paul’s prayer for the enlightenment of the faithful

I, having once heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus, and the love that you show towards all the saints, have never failed to remember you in my prayers and to thank God for you. May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a spirit of wisdom and perception of what is revealed, to bring you to full knowledge of him. May he enlighten the eyes of your mind so that you can see what hope his call holds for you, what rich glories he has promised the saints will inherit and how infinitely great is the power that he has exercised for us believers. This you can tell from the strength of his power at work in Christ, when he used it to raise him from the dead and to make him sit at his right hand, in heaven, far above every Sovereignty, Authority, Power, or Domination, or any other name that can be named not only in this age but also in the age to come. He has put all things under his feet and made him, as the ruler of everything, the head of the Church; which is his body, the fullness of him who fills the whole creation.



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Gospel
Luke 12:8-12
If you declare yourselves for me, I will declare myself for you

Jesus said to his disciples:
    ‘I tell you, if anyone openly declares himself for me in the presence of men, the Son of Man will declare himself for him in the presence of the angels. But the man who disowns me in the presence of men will be disowned in the presence of God’s angels.
    ‘Everyone who says a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
    ‘When they take you before synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say, because when the time comes, the Holy Spirit will teach you what you must say.’