Daily Gospel Reflection for October 22, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 22:15-21

Seldom does a Bible passage become the plot twist in a secular movie. That is exactly what happens in Sergeant York (1941) starring Gary Cooper. Today’s Gospel is the passage that flips Sergeant York in an unexpected direction.

Alvin York is a poor farmer from Tennessee bent on buying his own land. Swindled out of a land deal, York mounts his mule and rides off to kill the landowner. On the way, York is struck by lightning and converts to Christianity. Later, he is drafted into the army to serve in World War I. Now a pacifist, the young man struggles with his conscience. How can he break the commandment not to kill and still serve his country? York resolves the inner turmoil after reading this passage:

“Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Cesar and to God what belongs to God.”

Sergeant York sincerely seeks to find an answer through Scripture. Not so the Pharisees. They sought to trap Jesus. If He opposed the tax, Jesus would be accused of instigating a tax revolt. If He supported the tax, the Pharisees would accuse Him of being disloyal to Judaism. Jesus called them out as hypocrites.

Jesus affirms the importance of fulfilling our civil responsibilities while keeping paramount the duty to serve God. Once again, Jesus escapes a trap set by His enemies.

How do the Pharisees react? They marvel at His brilliance. Still, they continue to lay traps that ultimately lead to His death on the cross. Treachery has triumphed, or so the Pharisees believe.

Ponder:

Pray:

Dear Lord, You know the worries that disturb my peace. Help me to always lean on You as the Good Shepherd of my life.

Click to tweet:
Once again, Jesus escapes a trap set by His enemies. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Kathryn Swegart