Reflection for Sunday – October 18, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 45:1, 4-6; 1 Thessalonians 1: 1—5b; Matthew 22: 15-21 
Preacher: Nancy DeRycke

We have heard these readings many times:  I am with you whether you know it or not (Isaiah)…give God glory (Psalm 96)…the Holy Spirit comes in power (Thessalonians)…and of course (Matthew) ,Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what belongs to God.

I asked my husband Ron what he thought about these readings.  He said: “Don’t play games.  Especially don’t play other people’s games.”  Think about it.  They were playing a game with Jesus, trying to trip him up.  The pharisees had an agenda—to do Jesus in; not merely engage in a discussion to promote learning or mutual connection.  Jesus refused to play their game.  He cut through their ruse and called their bluff and zeroed in on what was most important:  don’t play games with people or with God.  And ask the right questions for the right reasons.

Persons who wish you well you can engage with and there’s mutual understanding and even some respect.    Sometimes knowing people’s intentions is more important than what they say.

That could apply to political or religious discussions, or to sharing something really important.  Think of it. Why are you or someone else supporting or dissing our country’s leaders? Or the Church?  Or whatever else?   Is it to have a meaningful discussion or cleverly catch someone in a weak argument? Motive is so important.  Do we start a conversation to “win” and find someone’s weakness or to learn, grow and be challenged?

So, wisdom from our Gospel:  Don’t play games. 

And in our 2^nd reading, Paul was very affirming of the Thessalonians, encouraging them and thanking them for living “not by a mere matter of words but by the power of the Spirit…”  There is real truth and power in seeing God’s Spirit guiding and alive in what we and others do and say.    

Where have you seen or let the power of the Spirit work?  In conversations you’ve had?  In meetings to discuss how to better our society?  In writing letters, signing petitions, standing up to be counted, taking time to really listen to someone or some cause (and then acting on it!)?  Where have you and I tried to let the Spirit work by respecting where others are coming from in discussions so we can learn from each other?  And let it affect our lives.

So from our 2^nd reading,  see the Spirit at Work in people around you.

And Isaiah, in our 1^st reading , speaks of God who is always with us (in the dark valleys as well as the green pastures) whether we are aware of it or not.  We are challenged to remind ourselves and each other of some moments that God is around, that the Spirit is working, that we are not alone.  And we are challenged to pray for the ability to be more aware of God’s presence and to respond to it.

So what’s the bottom line today? 

1.  Know God is near, even if we are not always aware of it.
2. Believe and respect that the Spirit is working in each of us and others around us.
3. And don’t play games; make conversations honest and patient ones that we can truly learn from each other and grow together. 

Life is too short and precious not to.