This Week’s Readings

Readings

SUNDAY 18th October 2026

For you to read, to reflect on and to lead your prayer

Isaiah 45:1,4-6

Today’s first reading tells of the prophet foretelling of the anointing of Cyrus as the King who will conquer Babylon and set Israel free. His legend was such that many believed him to be the promised Messiah. His legend also lives on in the ‘Cyrus Cylinder’ in the British Museum.

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5

St Paul today is assuring the Church in Thessalonika of his ‘love and prayers’ and unity in the gospel.

Matthew 22:15-21

Jesus gives back a coin bearing Caesar’s image, therefore, belonged to him. However, they were to give to God what belonged to God -their lives!