Daily Gospel Reflection for October 18, 2026

Explore the importance of generosity and charity in daily life through a reflection on Matthew 22:15-21, focusing on giving what belongs to God and supporting those in need.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 22:15-21

Ironically, I read this Gospel right after my wife and I finished discussing our finances and how we are going to handle the burden of assisting our close relatives in need. Come to think of it, it wasn’t ironic; it was God’s providence.

“Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God,” was Jesus’s reply to them.

What is God’s in my life? Well, everything. All that I have is a gift from God: my faith, my family, my life, my house, my car, my job, my money. The list goes on and on. (We have quite a bit!) 

What am I to do about this based on the words of Jesus? In this Gospel, the Pharisees are trying to trap Jesus. If He says one pays the tax, the Jews will be angry, as they do not like the tax. If He says not to pay the tax, He will be in trouble with the Romans.

What gets me in trouble? For me, it is Satan, not the Pharisees, who tries to trick me into not wanting to give away my hard-earned money. That is where the problem lies - the descriptor "my money." If everything I have is indeed a gift from God, then I need to be more generous and give of my money more freely. I need to be more cautious and watch my feelings lest I fall into the deadly sin of greed and instead be more aware of the virtue of charity. As they say, charity begins at home.

Ponder:

What is a good local cause that you could donate to this week?

Pray:

Holy Spirit, help us find a good cause to donate to. Guide us also to donate not just from our surplus, but instead help us to be more thoughtful and intentional in our donations.

Pray Together:

Today, pray for those who have less than us and guide us to assist them when we can.

Copyright 2026 Deacon Kevin Gingras