Sunday October 22nd of the 29th Week of Ordinary Time is Mission Sunday 2023.
"The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech.
"They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion, for you do not regard a person’s status.
"Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?”
"Knowing their malice, Jesus said, “Why are you testing me, you hypocrites?
"Show me the coin that pays the census tax.” Then they handed him the Roman coin.
"He said to them, “Whose image is this and whose inscription?” They replied, “Caesar’s.”
"At that he said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” (Matthew 22: 15 - 21).
Sunday 22nd October 2023, 29th Week in Ordinary Time is Mission Sunday 2023.
The Church world-wide celebrates Mission Sunday today. The Gospel for today reminds us of the existence of two kingdoms living side by side. There is the Kingdom of God whose seed on earth is the Church. There is also the kingdom of Caesar with its goals and methods often contrary to the mission of the Church.
The Pharisees ask Jesus whether they should pay tax to the government or not. Where should our loyalty be?
Jesus used the trick question to teach us a vital lesson. Yes we owe the government lawful taxes.
But as for the kingdom of God, we owe God our adoration, prayers, Sunday worship, tithes, obey His commandments, obey the commandments of the Church, etc.
If we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, everything will fall into place. The taxes to Caesar, our daily bread and all we need will be guaranteed, Jesus promises. (Cf Matthew 6: 33).
Mission Sunday celebrates the truth that the Church exists to evangelize. The Church is missionary in its deepest nature.
How missionary are you in your thoughts and prayers? St Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower never stepped out of her convent, yet she is the patron saint of missionaries.
How? She carried the mission fields and work in her thoughts and prayers. She taught that prayers could be a vital contribution to the mission. We all can pray for the missions. We all can make some financial contributions from time to time towards mission work.
Be missionary.
“Say the Rosary every day to obtain peace for the world.”
(Our Lady of Fatima, 1917).
Say the Holy Rosary every day in October.
For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:
https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1
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