Isaiah 45.1,4-6 | 1Thessalonians 1.1-5b | Matthew 22.15-21

*HOMILY* [10/18/26]

(Fr. Kleber Luiz Cardoso, css)


Dear sisters and brothers, we begin a new week accompanied by our Mother Church, during this month of October dedicated in a special way to the holy missions and the Holy Rosary. Today’s readings present us with fundamental teachings regarding our life in society, the role of authorities, and the authentic living out of our faith.

In the Gospel according to Matthew, we see the Pharisees once again trying to put Jesus to the test. In their hypocrisy, they approach Him with flattering words, only to then spring a trap with their question: "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" They sought to corner Him: if Jesus said yes, He would incur the enmity of the people oppressed by Rome’s abuses; if He said no, the Romans would accuse Him of rebellion and condemn Him.

However, Jesus responds with extraordinary wisdom. He asks to be shown a coin and inquires whose image is inscribed upon it. Those Pharisees, who boasted so much about keeping the Law of Moses, carried in their pockets a coin bearing the emperor's face. Jesus then gives a masterful reply: "Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God."

With this teaching, the Lord calls us to a mature balance. On one hand, we must fulfill our civil obligations justly and honestly, contributing to the common good of society through the taxes that support services for the most needy. On the other hand, Jesus demands that we never idolize money, ideologies, or the figures of this world. Only God must occupy the throne of our hearts. Money should be an instrument for living with dignity and practicing charity, not an idol. Furthermore, this response invites us to reflect on our responsibility to materially support the Church: God does not need our money, yet God’s house and His evangelizing mission do require our committed solidarity to welcome everyone.

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah speaks to us of King Cyrus of Persia—a non-Jewish ruler whom God used as an instrument to free His people from exile in Babylon. This shows us that the Lord acts even through the rulers of nations when they seek justice, the common good, and respect for freedom. For this reason, the Church asks us to pray continually for presidents, governors, and authorities, that they may exercise power while always seeking the peace and well-being of the people.

Finally, the second reading presents the opening of Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians, the earliest writing in the New Testament (dating to around 50–51 AD). Paul praises this community for its joyful witness of faith, hope, and charity, reminding them that the Gospel came to them not merely through words, but through the living power of the Holy Spirit.

Knowing that we are chosen by God should be our greatest source of joy. May this Word encourage us to live out a sincere faith—free from mere outward appearances—while fulfilling our duties in the world, yet keeping our eyes and hearts always turned toward the Lord.

Local: Springfield, MA, EUA

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