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Gospel Reading for October 18, 2026 – Matthew 22: 15-21
WASTE OF TIME
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.”
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The Pharisees really wasted a lot of their time, as well as the time of the people they sent to Jesus to ask questions—not because they wanted answers, but because they wanted to entrap him. If Jesus had answered that it was unlawful to pay the census tax to Caesar, they would surely have reported him to the Roman authorities.
But who can OUTSMART the Son of God? When we read the Gospels, we notice that Jesus never got drawn into a debate, even when the scribes, Pharisees, elders, and even the Sadducees tried to trap him by asking controversial questions. This is proof that Jesus and the Father are one. He thinks as the Father thinks and acts according to the Father’s will. He can be none other than God the Son.
Some of us like to debate religion. We think our religion is better than others, and we insist on it. Others think their religion is better than ours, and they insist on it. It is truly a WASTE OF TIME to debate whose religion is better. What is important is that we know our religion well by learning from those entrusted with the teaching authority of the Church. Most importantly, we must practice our religion by living according to our Church’s teachings.
Lord Jesus, may we always look to your Holy Spirit for enlightenment so that we may truly benefit from following you. Amen.
