Sunday, October 18, 2026 - Proper 24

    

                                                    Sunday, October 18, 2026

The Pharisees went and plotted to entrap Jesus in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away. Matthew 22:15-22

The image of God, our Creator, comes in stark contrast with the emperor's image on coins in our Gospel today. The religious leaders where once again plotting, trying to show Jesus as a criminal who was telling people to defy the ruling government of the time. Yet his response was reasoned and they walked away. Yet, the question we have to ask ourselves is what is God's and where do we find God's image among us? None of have a tattoo or mark we know was made by God. In our baptism, we are "marked as Christ's own forever." Yet that invisible mark can be hidden so well by so many. We are asked to walk the earth today, seeking signs of the love of God, the love of neighbor. These are the true image of God, wherever the blessing of love is found. Whether at home or deep in the woods, God's love is manifest and we are called to seek that love and deliver it wherever and to whomever we can.

Wondrous Creator, you are the force of good everywhere

and you have marked us with your eternal love every day.

Precious Jesus, help us to live as the image and reflection of your love.

The world is so cruel, expensive and so isolating

it is often hard to find your image amidst all the violence.

Precious Jesus, help us to live as the image and reflection of your love.

Yet you shine your love on us when we cannot even see

and you lead us from the lost places to the safety of home.

Precious Jesus, help us to live as the image and reflection of your love.

Some have no home, no family and no safe country

help us to bring your love to those seeking a home.

Precious Jesus, help us to live as the image and reflection of your love.

Some have lost their way and are bent over in pain

help us to be your healing warm in their hard times.

Precious Jesus, help us to live as the image and reflection of your love.

Let us all live in the image of your abundance and endless love

so the world might know your hope and love are here today.

Precious Jesus, help us to live as the image and reflection of your love. Amen.