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From the Desk of Father Mark - Our Pastor
October 11, 2026 - 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
NOT AVAILABLE IN THIS BULLETIN EDITION
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From the Desk of Father Mark - Our Pastor
October 18, 2026 - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
"Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."
In the Gospel of Matthew, we are introduced via the Beatitudes to the “Blessed are you” statements. These reflections of Jesus regarding us are intended to inspire our lives and encourage our discipleship. However, in the Gospel of Matthew, there are also “Woe to you” statements. These reflections serve as a caution to those who choose to undermine the blessing of God, with ‘blessings’ of humanity.
~ ”You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.”
~ ”This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.”
~ ”You lock the kingdom of heaven before human beings. You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter.”
~ ”You cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence.”
What belongs to Caesar and what belongs to God are vastly different and should not be compared. The ‘challenge’ placed before Jesus, “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” is intended to undermine the blessing of God. Jesus rejects such attempts to undermine!
It can be a temptation to mix or confuse human authority and divine authority. A person’s ego can certainly be an obstacle. The words ‘thy will be done’ are significant in our prayer and action, as these words reconnect our souls to their divine purpose. In choosing the blessing of God, we inherit the gift of eternal life. This eternal life overcomes earthly trials, no matter how great!
Give yourself to God, and live!
Have a great week!
Fr. Mark Walter
Pastor of Our Lady of the Ridge - St.Linus Parish |
