Faith Today

October 18, 2026

Balancing Earthly Duties and Divine Allegiance

“Pay Caesar what belongs to Caesar -- and God what belongs to God.”
Matthew 22:21

Today's Reflection

Dear Brothers and Sisters, as nations wrestle with difficult decisions—like France's call to ensure Ukraine has what it needs to defend its people—today’s readings challenge us to recognize both practical and spiritual responsibilities. We are reminded to act with justice, wisdom, and compassion, seeking God's guidance in all that we do. Balancing earthly duties with faith means recognizing the role of leadership, protection, and global community in God's broader story.

Coping

When facing difficult situations or unwelcome news, today’s readings remind us that God is sovereign over all things. By entrusting both our practical responsibilities and our hearts to God, we are empowered to persevere without losing hope or faith.

Family

Caring for family means honoring God in all that we do, while fulfilling our responsibilities to others. Just as Paul encouraged faith, love, and hope in the Thessalonians, we can nurture these values within our homes, offering gratitude and steadfast support.

Community

Our communities thrive when justice, honesty, and worship guide our actions. Like Cyrus, whom God used for a greater purpose despite his lack of understanding, we can serve our neighbors by advocating for fairness and unity, declaring God’s goodness in all we do.

Today's Readings

First Reading · Isaiah 45:1, 4-6

[1] Thus says Yahweh to his anointed one, to Cyrus whom, he says, I have grasped by his right hand, to make the nations bow before him and to disarm kings, to open gateways before him so that their gates be closed no more: [4] It is for the sake of my servant Jacob and of Israel my chosen one, that I have called you by your name, have given you a title though you do not know me. [5] I am Yahweh, and there is no other, there is no other God except me. Though you do not know me, I have armed you [6] so that it may be known from east to west that there is no one except me. I am Yahweh, and there is no other,

Psalm · Psalms 96:1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10

[1] Sing a new song to Yahweh! Sing to Yahweh, all the earth! [3] declare his glory among the nations, his marvels to every people! [4] Great is Yahweh, worthy of all praise, more awesome than any of the gods. [5] All the gods of the nations are idols! It was Yahweh who made the heavens; [7] Give to Yahweh, families of nations, give to Yahweh glory and power, [8] give to Yahweh the glory due to his name! Bring an offering and enter his courts, [9] adore Yahweh in the splendour of his holiness. Tremble before him, all the earth. [10] Say among the nations, 'Yahweh is king.' The world is set firm, it cannot be moved. He will judge the nations with justice.

Gospel · Matthew 22:15-21

[15] Then the Pharisees went away to work out between them how to trap him in what he said. [16] And they sent their disciples to him, together with some Herodians, to say, 'Master, we know that you are an honest man and teach the way of God in all honesty, and that you are not afraid of anyone, because human rank means nothing to you. [17] Give us your opinion, then. Is it permissible to pay taxes to Caesar or not?' [18] But Jesus was aware of their malice and replied, 'You hypocrites! Why are you putting me to the test? [19] Show me the money you pay the tax with.' They handed him a denarius, [20] and he said, 'Whose portrait is this? Whose title?' [21] They replied, 'Caesar's.' Then he said to them, 'Very well, pay Caesar what belongs to Caesar -- and God what belongs to God.'

Second Reading · Thessalonians 1:1-5

[1] Paul, Silvanus and Timothy, to the Church in Thessalonica which is in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace. [2] We always thank God for you all, mentioning you in our prayers continually. [3] We remember before our God and Father how active is the faith, how unsparing the love, how persevering the hope which you have from our Lord Jesus Christ. [4] We know, brothers loved by God, that you have been chosen, [5] because our gospel came to you not only in words, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with great effect. And you observed the sort of life we lived when we were with you, which was for your sake.