29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

• First Reading – Isaiah 45:1, 4-6: The LORD empowers Cyrus for Israel’s sake. Even though Cyrus doesn’t recognize the LORD, God uses him to show there’s no other God besides Him.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 96: All lands should sing to the LORD and share his marvelous deeds. He surpasses all gods and created the heavens. All nations should honor him, and recognize his just rule.
• Second Reading – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5B: Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy greet the Thessalonians, offering thanks for their faith, love, and hope. They emphasize the gospel’s powerful delivery, beyond just words, through the Holy Spirit.
• Gospel – Matthew 22:15-21: The Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with a question about taxes to Caesar. Jesus, seeing through their intent, responded wisely, indicating to give Caesar his due and God what’s His.

Lectionary Reference: 145

Upcoming dates: October 18, 2026, October 21, 2029, October 17, 2032

The 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A highlights God’s power, faithfulness, and wisdom. The readings show how God works through people, even those who do not know Him, and how faith should shape our actions.

• God’s Control Over History: God used Cyrus, a foreign king, to help Israel. This shows that God guides events and can use anyone to fulfill His plan.
• Faith in Action: Paul praises the Thessalonians for their faith, love, and hope. True faith leads to action and is seen in the way people live.
• God and Government: Jesus tells the Pharisees to give Caesar what belongs to him and give God what belongs to God. This teaches that people have duties to both their country and to God.
• Sincerity in Worship: The Pharisees questioned Jesus with bad intentions. Worship and faith should come from a sincere heart, not for show or to trap others.
• The Power of the Gospel: Paul says the gospel came not only with words but with the Holy Spirit. The message of Jesus changes lives when people truly receive it.
• Recognizing the One True God: God reminds Israel that He alone is God. People should put their trust in Him, not in earthly power.

The 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A teaches that God is in control, and faith should guide daily life. The readings encourage people to trust God, live sincerely, and give Him what is due.

Caesar Vs. God – A Lesson Plan on Citizenship

This lesson plan deals with the topic of Caesar vs. God and focuses on the concept of citizenship from a Catholic perspective. The gospel for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, specifically Matthew 22:15-21, expresses this theme. The Pharisees ask Jesus about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus shows a coin, asks whose image is on it, and when they say “Caesar’s,” he replies, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Both the lesson plan and the gospel highlight the idea of dual responsibilities: one to earthly authorities and another to God. The key takeaway is to recognize and fulfill our duties in both realms, without compromising our primary allegiance to God.

Suscipe Prayer (Take Lord Receive Prayer)

The Suscipe Prayer emphasizes a complete surrender to God’s will, essentially offering everything one has to Him In Matthew 22:15-21, the gospel for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, resonates with the theme of discerning between worldly and divine responsibilities. Both the Suscipe Prayer and this gospel passage highlight the necessity of recognizing what belongs to God and committing oneself fully to Him, while also fulfilling earthly duties.

A Song to God – A Prayer Based on Psalm 96

The responsorial psalm for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A is Psalm 96, a call to worship and proclaim God’s glory among the nations. This prayer is directly based on Psalm 96. The prayer captures the essence of the psalm by echoing its themes of praise, worship, and acknowledgment of God’s might and justice. In essence, the prayer serves as a modern reflection, helping contemporary readers engage deeply with the ancient text of Psalm 96 and its enduring message.

The Book of Isaiah

The book of Isaiah offers prophetic messages, some of which spotlight the sovereignty of God over all nations. In the first reading for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Isaiah 45:1, 4-6, God’s appointment of Cyrus, a non-Israelite king, demonstrates this universal dominion. The passage acknowledges Cyrus as an instrument of God’s purpose, despite him not knowing God. This theme aligns with the broader content of Isaiah, which often emphasizes the Lord’s omnipotence and His plan that surpasses human understanding. The text illustrates that God can work through anyone or any situation, reminding readers of His active presence and influence in the broader world beyond just the Israelite community.

Resources for the Gospel of Matthew

Matthew’s Gospel consistently presents Jesus teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven and the demands of discipleship. In the gospel for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Matthew 22:15-21, when questioned about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus responds with the famous line, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” This narrative ties into the Gospel’s overarching theme of balancing earthly responsibilities with spiritual ones. As conveyed in various passages, living according to Jesus’ teachings necessitates discerning the right actions in both the temporal and spiritual realms. The challenge lies in navigating worldly duties while staying committed to one’s faith and spiritual obligations.

The True Image on Our Souls

Jeff Cavins delves into the gospel for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, where Jesus is questioned about paying taxes. This reflection underscores that, unlike coins with Caesar’s image, humans bear the divine image of God, indicating their deeper allegiance to Him. Cavins further emphasizes that as humans, created in God’s likeness, should wholly commit to Him, giving their bodies, minds, and spirits. Referencing the Catechism, Cavins notes that worshiping one true God frees individuals from worldly complexities. For the week, he challenges listeners to remember their divine image whenever they encounter monetary images.

Caesar and the King

Scott Hahn reflects on the readings for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. God has always influenced earthly rulers, even those unaware of Him. Using the example of King Cyrus, whom God employed to assist the Israelites, Hahn emphasizes that worldly governments and powers, like the Roman occupation during Jesus’ time, operate under God’s plan. When Jesus mentions repaying Caesar, it’s a reminder that while citizens should respect and obey government, their ultimate loyalty belongs to God. The coin may carry Caesar’s image, but humans are crafted in God’s image. Thus, we owe everything to God and must prioritize His teachings, even when they clash with earthly laws.

Caesar and God

In this homily for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Bishop Robert Barron discusses the delicate balance between religious beliefs and political allegiances, referencing Jesus’ statement about giving to Caesar what belongs to him and to God what is His. Barron emphasizes that while there is a distinction between church and state, in the broader perspective, everything, including the state, is ultimately under God’s domain.

Truth Cannot Always Take Sides

(Note: the audio for the gospel reading is poor, but once the homily starts it is clear.)

In this homily for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Fr. Richard Rohr discusses the pitfalls of “either or” thinking, emphasizing that people often feel validated when they pick a side. Using the gospel as an example, he highlights Jesus’ approach to not firmly siding with either group, suggesting that true faith requires embracing ambiguity and not always seeking definite answers.

The 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A invites people to reflect on faith, responsibility, and sincerity. The readings show how God works through history, how faith should be active, and how people must balance their duties in the world with their duty to God. Jesus challenges people to give to God what truly belongs to Him. Paul encourages believers to live their faith with love and endurance. These messages remain important for anyone seeking to live with integrity and trust in God.

A Faith That Takes Action

The second reading for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A shows that real faith is not just words. Paul praises the Thessalonians because their faith is visible in their actions. They live with love, hope, and trust in God. Their faith is not hidden or passive. It moves them to serve others and stay strong in difficult times.

Paul also speaks about the Holy Spirit. The Thessalonians did not believe in God on their own. God called them, and the Holy Spirit strengthened their faith. This reminds people that faith is a gift. It is not just about human effort. God invites people to believe, and the Holy Spirit helps them live that belief.

The message of the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A challenges people to reflect on their own faith. Is it just words, or does it shape their daily life? Do they serve others and trust in God even when life is hard? Faith should be more than something people say—it should be something they do.

Living faith means showing love, being patient, and staying hopeful. It means trusting in God’s plan even when things are uncertain. Like the Thessalonians, people are called to live in a way that reflects what they believe. True faith is seen in action.

Giving to God What Belongs to Him

The gospel for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A tells the story of the Pharisees trying to trap Jesus. They ask Him if it is right to pay taxes to Caesar. Jesus gives a wise answer. He tells them to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to give to God what belongs to God.

This response goes beyond taxes. It is a reminder that people have responsibilities in the world, but their first duty is to God. Governments may require money, but God requires hearts, minds, and lives. Everything comes from God, and people should give Him their love, trust, and obedience.

The challenge is to balance both responsibilities. People live in the world and must follow its laws, but they should not forget their greater duty to God. Some focus too much on material things and forget their faith. Others ignore their duties in society. Jesus teaches that both matter, but God must come first.

The 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A calls people to reflect on their priorities. Do they give to God what belongs to Him? Do they make time for prayer and service? Jesus’ words remind everyone to keep their focus on what truly matters—living in a way that honors God.

Living with Honesty and Sincerity

The readings for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A highlight the importance of being genuine in faith. Paul praises the Thessalonians for their sincere faith. Their actions match their beliefs. They do not just say they believe—they live it.

In the gospel, Jesus sees through the Pharisees’ trap. They ask Him about taxes, not because they want to learn, but because they want to trick Him. Their question is not sincere. They pretend to respect Him, but their hearts are not in the right place. Jesus’ response exposes their dishonesty.

This teaches that faith should not be about appearances. It should be real. Some people go through religious motions but do not live out their faith. Others say the right words but do not act with love and justice. The 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A challenges people to be true in both words and actions.

Faith should not be just for show. It should be part of daily life. God sees beyond words and actions—He knows what is in the heart. Living with honesty and sincerity means making faith a real part of life, not just something to be seen by others.

Faith is not just about words or appearances—it is about action and sincerity. The 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds people to live their beliefs daily, trust in God’s plan, and make Him their highest priority. God sees beyond outward actions and looks at the heart. These reflections encourage people to ask themselves if they are truly giving to God what belongs to Him.

Prayer

Lord, help me to live my faith with honesty and love. Give me the wisdom to balance my responsibilities in the world with my duty to You. Teach me to trust in Your plan and follow Your ways. May my actions reflect my belief in You. I give myself to You with a sincere heart. Amen.

• How can I make my faith more active in my daily life?
• In what ways do I allow the Holy Spirit to guide my actions?
• Do I focus too much on material things and forget my duty to God?
• What does it mean to give to God what belongs to Him?
• How can I serve others with love and hope like the Thessalonians?
• Do I ever act like the Pharisees, saying the right words but not living sincerely?
• How can I better balance my duties in society with my faith?
• What are some ways I can grow in trust and reliance on God?
• How do I show my love for God in my everyday choices?
• What steps can I take to ensure my faith is honest and not just for show?

The music selections for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reflect themes of faith, trust, and devotion to God. Some songs focus on God’s greatness and power, reminding people that He is in control of history. Others emphasize choosing to follow Christ and living faith in action, just as Paul praises the Thessalonians for their love and endurance. Some selections highlight worship and praise, echoing the call to give to God what belongs to Him. Together, these songs encourage believers to honor God with their lives and trust in His guidance.

• All Creatures of our God and King by Rick Modlin & Ike Ndolo
• God Has Chosen Me by Bernadette Farrell
• Holy God We Praise Thy Name by Sarah Hart
• Holy Holy Holy by John Bacchus Dykes, O.I. Cricket Harrison, Reginald Heber & Robert E. Kreutz
• How Great Thou Art by Stuart K. Hine
• I Sing the Mighty Power of God by Isaac Watts & Randall Debruyn
• I Will Choose Christ by Tom Booth
• Immortal Invisible God Only Wise by Walter C. Smith
• Indescribable by The Worship Initiative & Shane & Shane
• Psalm 95 by Michael Joncas
• Seek Ye First by Karen Lafferty
• Servant Song by Donna Marie McGargill
• Sing a New Song by Dan Schutte
• Soon and Very Soon by William F. Smith & Andraé Crouch
• This Is Amazing Grace by Phil Wickham
• To Jesus Christ Our Sovereign King by Martin B. Hellriegel
• Turn to Me by the St. Louis Jesuits
• We Walk by Faith by William Croft & Henry Alford
• We Will Not Be Shaken by Bethel Music
• What a Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship & Brooke Ligertwood
• Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher

Music directors and musicians can use these selections to enrich the celebration of the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. These songs help connect the readings to worship, deepening understanding and participation. Consider trying some of these pieces or choosing others that fit the themes. Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments to help others find meaningful music for this Sunday.

What date is the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A?

The next date is Sunday October 18, 2026.
For other years see the links below:
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

What are the Mass readings for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A?

The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday October 18, 2026 are;
First Reading – Isaiah 45:1, 4-6: God’s Command to Cyrus
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 96: Praise the Lord’s Greatness
Second Reading – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5B: Greeting to Thessalonians
Gospel – Matthew 22:15-21: Caesar’s Coin Question

What is the main message of the first reading?

The first reading shows that God is in control of history. He uses Cyrus, a foreign king, to help His people, showing that He can work through anyone to carry out His plan.

Why does God choose someone who does not know Him?

God’s power is not limited to those who believe in Him. He can use anyone, even those who do not recognize Him, to bring about His will.

What does the second reading teach about faith?

Paul praises the Thessalonians because their faith is strong and active. They do not just believe with words, but with actions, showing love and trust in God.

Why is the Holy Spirit important in the second reading?

The Holy Spirit helps people live their faith with courage and hope. Faith is not just a human effort—God gives strength to those who trust in Him.

What does Jesus mean when He says to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s?

Jesus reminds people that they have responsibilities in the world, such as paying taxes and following laws. However, these duties should not take the place of their duty to God.

What does it mean to give to God what belongs to Him?

Everything comes from God, including life, talents, and time. Giving to God means honoring Him with love, trust, and service.

How does the gospel challenge people in the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A?

The gospel calls people to examine their priorities. It asks whether they are giving their best to God or getting too caught up in worldly matters.

What lesson does the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A give about sincerity?

The Pharisees in the gospel pretend to ask an honest question, but their real goal is to trap Jesus. This warns against pretending to be faithful while having the wrong intentions.

How can I apply the message of the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A to my life?

You can make sure your faith is real by living with honesty and trust in God. It also means balancing responsibilities in the world with your duty to follow God’s ways.

Why is the message of the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A still important?

People still struggle with putting God first while handling their daily responsibilities. This Sunday reminds everyone that faith must be real, active, and the center of life.