Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 18,2026

LECTIO - Read Scripture Text:   Matthew 22:15-21

The Pharisees went off and plotted on how they could trap Jesus in his words. And they sent to him their disciples with the Herodians saying, “Master, we know that you are an honest man and teach the way of God in truth, that you care not for any man’s opinion nor do you consider another person’s status. Tell us, then, your opinion. Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?”

Knowing their intent to trick him, he said, “Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Show me a coin.” And they brought him a coin. He said to them, “Whose is this image and inscription?” They answered him, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Render, therefore, to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they marveled at his answer, left him, and went their way.

MEDITATIO - Meditate on text, allow the LORD to touch us with His Word:

Do I dismiss my obligation to the LORD in whose image and likeness I was created and bear? Do I let worldly matters distract me from my spiritual responsibilities?

BREAKING OPEN THE TEXT:

In today’s gospel we read of those trying to ensnare Jesus with a Catch-22 type of question. If he answers to pay the tax, He risks losing the Jewish crowds who resented Rome, and if he answered to withhold the tax, He risked being arrested by Roman authorities for seditious rebellion. But Jesus knew what was afoot and what was at stake. He exposed their hypocrisy. He upheld the civil obligation of taxes but also, He reminds them that they belong to the LORD because they bear the LORD’s image and their love and labors are to be rendered to Him for love of Him and for His glory.

ORATIO – Lifting our minds and hearts to the LORD in prayer:

LORD, be with me. Send your Spirit to stir within me and rouse my wonder at being made in your image and likeness. Remind me moment to moment of your power and presence, of You as the source of my very being. Cleanse my heart and mind so I bear your image well and return your love always. And help me to pick up the mantle of good stewardship, to share with others both civilly and spiritually. Amen.

CONTEMPLATIO – Sitting with the LORD in silence for a minute or more