Hello, Reader!
This Sunday, October 18, we celebrate the Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost 2026, with Deacon Nate Irvine presiding.
These readings address ultimate authority and allegiance. They remind us that the Lord alone is God, that faith in Christ shapes a community’s witness, and that our deepest loyalty belongs to God.
FIRST READING – Isaiah 45:1–7
God speaks to Cyrus, the Persian king who does not know the Lord, calling him “my anointed” and guiding his path to deliver exiled Israel. God declares, “I am the Lord, and there is no other.” God’s purposes extend beyond Israel’s boundaries, and even rulers who do not acknowledge Him can fulfill His plans.
PSALM 96:1–9, (10–13)
The psalm invites the whole earth to “sing to the Lord a new song” and to proclaim God’s glory among the nations. The Lord is greater than all gods, whom the psalmist calls idols, because the Lord made the heavens. The response is worship: ascribe honor to the Lord and let the whole earth tremble before him. Creation itself joins in joyful praise as the Lord comes to judge the world with righteousness.
EPISTLE – 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10
Paul gives thanks for the Thessalonian church, remembering its work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope. The gospel came to them in power and in the Holy Spirit, and despite persecution, they received the word with joy. Their witness spread throughout Macedonia and Achaia, and they turned from idols to serve the living and true God, awaiting Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
GOSPEL – Matthew 22:15–22
The Pharisees and Herodians, rivals who join forces against Jesus, try to trap him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus asks whose image is on the coin. When they answer “Caesar’s,” he replies: “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” Amazed, they leave him. The deeper question is our ultimate allegiance: if the coin bears Caesar’s image, we who bear God’s image belong to God.
These readings call us to reflect on where our ultimate loyalty lies. We live within the structures of government and society, yet we belong first to the God who created us and sovereignly guides all things. May our lives, like those of the Thessalonians, proclaim our faith boldly in every place.
Read the full readings and reflections.
The podcast of today’s service will be available later today on your favorite podcast platform, or you can listen here.
Don’t forget to review this week’s announcements and the church calendar.
This week, please include those on our prayer list in your prayers as we work to strengthen our community.
If you need inspiration for prayer, consider the Book of Common Prayer or these prayers to guide your prayer journey.
Blessings, and have a great week!
