29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
Is. 45:1, 4-6 1 Thess. 1:1-5b Mat. 22:15-21
Theme: Everything Belongs to God
On this 29th Sunday of the ordinary time of the year A, the church celebrates mission Sunday. It is an invitation for us to promote and support the missionary work of the church; through the work of missionaries all over the world. We are all called to be part of this great mission of the church. Like the Nigerian Spiritans would say, if you cannot go to the missions; then support those going to the missions. This is very important, because the mandate given to the church by Christ himself will continue. It is a worthy venture dear friends in Christ, for us to resolve today to contribute towards the propagation of the good news in the world.
The first reading of today points out the fact that God uses whoever is positively disposed to cooperate with the grace of God. Cyrus the Persian king is called the Lord’s anointed for granting freedom to the Israelites after conquering Babylon. Even though he was a pagan, he was a worthy instrument in the hand of God; and brought about the liberation of the people of Israel. The question we must answer today is, are you a worthy instrument in the hand of God? It is important that we must make ourselves available for God to use us like Cyrus the Persian king in our daily lives. God continues to show us the depth of his love for us and his supremacy over us all.
In the second reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, Paul acknowledges the good actions of the Thessalonians church and appreciates their contributions towards the growth of God’s work. In the same way, we are all invited to appreciate and acknowledge the good contributions of everyone in relation to the propagation of the good news that we carry. These are encouraging words that should continue to propel us towards serving God in spirit and in truth in our lives.
Everything in the world belongs to God! In the gospel reading, we see the people trying to trap Jesus with their question. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? Jesus knowing their plan responds in such a way that it is left for them to make use of their conscience. He responds with the popular saying, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God”. All leaders and kings are subject to God, so it left for us to use our good conscience by not giving what belongs to God to the Caesars of this world. In whatever we do in life, never allow anything to take the place of God in your life. All authority and power belong to God. This simply shows that no matter the situation we find ourselves in life, God is still in control. It is my prayer on this mission Sunday that God will grant us the grace to be worthy instruments in his hand, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you!