29th Sunday of Ordinary Time Readings October 18, 2020

God’s Word has many uses, and one is incorporating it into your lesson. The Sunday readings can be used in place of the Theme Refresher. There are links to the readings within the discussion section below. 
 
Sunday’s Readings from USCCB.org
Reading 1 Isaiah IS 45:1, 4-6
Responsorial Psalm PS 96:1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10
Reading 2 Thessalonians 1 THES 1:1-5B
Gospel Matthew MT 22:15-21

Sometimes, the government uses tax money to pay for things that everyone wants, like a park or keeping the streets clean. But other times, the government has to use the money to help a small number of people, like schools or sick people or even the water supply. Sometimes, people get upset because the tax money isn’t working for them specifically. We can get more done when we all work together to make the world better for all people. In Jesus’ day, the emperor (Caesar) was taking a lot of money from the people of Israel and keeping it for himself or to help people far away in Rome. This was a trick question for Jesus. If he said to give money to Caesar the people would not like him and if he said to give it to God, it would make the Roman leaders angry. Jesus’ answer lets us know that we are to be more concerned with making sure that everyone gets what they need, rather than everything benefiting everyone. If the town buys a bus for those in wheelchairs to get to shopping, it doesn’t help those without wheel chairs, but we shouldn’t be jealous because others are being helped.

As a family, think and talk about the following.

  • What do the Pharisees ask Jesus?
  • Why does Jesus ask the religious leaders to show him a coin?
  • Whose image is on the coin?
  • What does Jesus tell the Pharisees?
  • What can we give to God?

These questions help us to go deeper into God’s Word.

  • “I am the Lord, there is no other.”  How does that proclamation strike me?
  • For the Israelites, God’s choice of Cyrus changed their understanding of the way God acts; what           
  • events in my life have led me to change my understanding of God?
  • Who are some people to whom I owe a debt of gratitude right now?
  • How can my congregation or community be affirmed this weekend?
  • How ready and willing am I to acknowledge that the Holy Spirit is at work in my life and ministry?
  • Where do I stand on issues of Church and State relationship?
  • What place does God hold in my life?

Optional activities and resources that compliment this lesson can be found on the links below. 

God’s Word
Featured Saints
Family Activities
Additional Videos and Resources
Lesson Theme