29th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Isaiah 45:1, 4-6 | 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b | Matthew 22:15-21
In the message from the Book of Isaiah, we are informed that God reaches out to each of us whether we are or are not conscious of his Presence. It is God who opens doors for us and ensures that gates will not be closed as we travel throughout our lives.
In the New Testament reading as the presence of Jesus emerges, his followers are aware that they are beloved by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to engage in the work of faith, the labor of love, and the steadfastness of hope. And in the Gospel of Matthew, these followers are also alerted by Jesus that their convictions will be challenged.
There will be hypocrites who seek to find ways to, in Jesus’ words “put me to the test.” Jesus confronts their malice and teaches us all to “render to Caesar the things that are Caesars and to God the things that are God’s”.
May our lives be enlightened and engaged by Jesus as we face the challenges of life in an ever changing environment confronting each of us.
Sr. Kathleen Sullivan, OP