Sunday Homily – 22 October 2023

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Also Read: Mass Readings for 22 October 2023 Mass Reading Reflection for 22 October 2023

Gospel: Matthew 22: 15-21

Jesus held the Roman coin in his hand and asked the question, “Whose image is this and whose inscription?” There is a second question, Jesus asks us today, holding you in his arms, “Whose image and likeness are you created?” The question is a reminder, that the answer is given in Genesis 1:26, ‘mankind is created in the image and likeness of God.’ If the coin minted with the image of Caesar has to be returned to Caesar, we who are created in the image and likeness of God belong to God.

We belong to God. We belong to God more than the coin belongs to the ruler. Every tiny human belongs to God. That is the reason God gets angry when one of the least is violated. That is the reason, Jesus promised eternal bliss to those who take time to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the lonely.

We belong to God. You may be ashamed of your sins, but still, you belong to God. You may or may not be proud of your past, but still, you belong to God. You may be old and sick, but you belong to God. You may be young and struggling, but still, you belong to God. Irrespective of your looks, you belong to God. Irrespective of your wealth and social status you belong to God.

Interest in the ‘Caesar’ starts and ends with the coin, but God has more interest in you. Because God has invested more in you. God has invested his love in you. God has invested His talents in you. God has invested His loved ones with you. They include your spouse, your children, your friends and colleagues, and even the wretched ones you see on the street.

Hence, stop exchanging what belongs to God for what belongs to Caesar. Stop selling yourself or your relationships for pleasure and monetary benefits. Because we all belong to God.

Amen.