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Twenty-first Sunday - Pentecost • Year A
October 18, 2026 • Proper 24
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Historical Collect
O God, our refuge and strength, since you yourself are the author of our devotion, graciously consider the devout prayers of your Church. May those things which we ask in faith effectively follow by your grace; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Gelasian Sacramentary, 7th Century)
Thematic Collect
Sovereign Lord, your reign extends across time and space. You have created us in your own image and redeemed us by your grace through your Son. Grant that we may return to you what is yours, our entire selves given to your mission in the world; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The Common Thread
God goes before us, just as he went before King Cyrus of old. He levels supposedly high places—even death and hell themselves—bringing salvation with glory and great strength. What would we do then, chosen and devoted disciples, but worship and become imitators of the Lord? As such, we concern ourselves with matters of his eternal kingdom instead of being preoccupied with the things of this world. God will take care of this world and its governance, just as he did with Persia, Babylon, and Israel.
First Reading • Isaiah 45:1-7
God has used many earthly kings to accomplish his will. He still employs the rulers of our world so that his will is done on earth as it is in heaven (Matt 6:10). Our prayers should attend kings, presidents, and other government rulers. Yet, as much as God used a king named Cyrus, he has used the King of kings to accomplish far more. The armies of Hell have been vanquished through the cross of Christ. He is the one who causes people from the east to the west to know that there is none besides the Lord who accomplishes these things.
Psalm • Psalm 96:1-9, 10-13
Declare to the nations of the glory of God. This is accomplished by offering more for missions than we do for government—in terms of money, as well as work and prayer.
Second Reading • 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
“Our gospel” (1Thes 1:5), or the gospel of Christ’s Church is what ultimately impacts the world. Taxes, civic authority, and armies are of some use. Yet in the end, our trust must be placed in the gospel of Christ’s kingdom. As such, our efforts and prayers must be with those workers in the true kingdom on this earth. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, individual lives are changed—as well as nations.
Gospel • Matthew 22:15-22
Pay your taxes and pray to God. Jesus has called us to do both, trusting the Lord with the nations. Certainly, God will use our prayers even more than our taxes but we are called to be faithful in each. This is not a matter for debate; it is a matter of obedience.
Resources
Links to Worship Resources for this Service
