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.

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.

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.