October 22, 2017
Sr. Phyllis Jaszkowiak
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​Today’s readings give us three steps as to how to maneuver in this world.  God, through Isaiah, says, “I have called you by your name.”  Paul tells us, “… Brothers and sisters loved by God, you were chosen.  For our gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit.”  Jesus says, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”
 
The question arises, what belongs to Caesar and what belongs to God?  The question really seems to be “What could belong to Caesar that does not already belong to God?” (NCR)  Since God made the heavens and the earth and all that dwells there, what really is Caesar’s?

October 8, 2017
Leif Kehrwald
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There are two parables in our readings today, and they are very similar. In our first reading from Isaiah, and in our Gospel reading from Matthew, we have a landowner who lavishes extraordinary care on his vineyard. He digs it, clears it of stones, plants it with choice vines, builds a watchtower, hews out a wine vat in it.
 
He dreams of beautiful, bountiful grapes ripening in the sun, and eventually becoming choice wine!