The theme of this week's readings is that God's laws are centered in love and must be interpreted in light of love.¹ Let's see how that plays out in our Readings. Our First Reading [Exodus 22:20-26] comes from what was known as the 'Covenant Code" in the Book of Exodus. These were regarded as ways, derived from the Ten Commandments, to express our love for others. And failure to observe these "laws" was considered inflicting injury on our neighbor which would incur the wrath of God.

A Question with No Right Answer

THE LEADERS of the people of Israel have been trying to catch Jesus in an error or verbal inconsistency for several days. They pose what they think is a radical question, requiring Him to take a side: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? (Mt 22:17). We should remember that the Jewish people were uncomfortable in the Roman empire for political as well as religious reasons: the worship paid to the emperor was an affront to the God of Israel.

Esteemed parishioners of Blessed Sacrament and visitors,

Today's liturgy presents us with a parable that speaks of a wedding banquet to which many were invited. The First Reading, from the Book of Isaiah, prepares us for this theme by speaking of the banquet of God. Throughout Scripture, the banquet is a powerful image of the joy of communion and the abundance of the Lord's gifts.

Esteemed parishioners of Blessed Sacrament and visitors,

In keeping with our diocesan tradition of celebrating creation during October, Bishop John Dolan invites us this weekend to celebrate the Mass for the Care of Creation. The English translation of this Mass was promulgated by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on August 4, 2026.