Universal Utterings

for October 18, 2026

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10-18-2026 Matthew 22 v1521 And To God What Belongs To God

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The Gospel of Matthew Ch 22 Verse 15 thru 21

15 Then the Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap him in speech. 16 They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion, for you do not regard a person’s status. 17 Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” 18 Knowing their malice, Jesus said, “Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin that pays the census tax.” Then they handed him the Roman coin. 20 He said to them, “Whose image is this and whose inscription?” 21 They replied, “Caesar’s.” At that he said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”

In Matthew 22:15-21, a group of Pharisees and Herodians attempts to entrap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. They ask Him whether it is lawful to pay taxes to the Roman Emperor, Caesar. Aware of their malice, Jesus asks to see a coin used for the tax and questions them about whose image it bears. They respond that it bears Caesar's image. Jesus then famously replies, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

This passage contains profound theological implications. When Jesus speaks of giving what belongs to Caesar, He acknowledges the established authorities and the need for societal obligations, such as paying taxes. Taxes are a means of supporting the governing body that maintains order and provides services within society. By recognizing Caesar’s authority, Jesus establishes a principle of civic duty, suggesting that one can participate in worldly systems without compromising their spiritual identity.

However, Jesus contrasts this with the things that belong to God. This statement implies that while we have social responsibilities, our ultimate allegiance and dedication belong to God. God’s image is not found on a currency but within each person. Therefore, what belongs to God is our hearts, souls, and lives—our moral obligations, worship, and devotion.

Ultimately, this teaching reminds us of the dual responsibilities we hold: to engage in the civic realm while prioritizing our relationship with God. In a world filled with earthly demands, Jesus calls us to navigate these responsibilities with wisdom, ensuring that our ultimate loyalty remains with God. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,


Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins


†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®


Ephesians 6:17-20

10-18-2026 Matthew 22 v1521

And To God What Belongs To God

In the city where questions spun and swirled, 

The Pharisees plotted their malice unfurled. 

With traps set in stealth, they sought to confound, 

A teacher, a prophet, whose wisdom astound. 

“Tell us, good Rabbi, what say you today? 

Should we pay our taxes, or turn them away? 

To Caesar or God, where shall our hearts be? 

In this tangled web, your answer’s the key.” 

But Jesus, discerning their insidious game, 

With a glance full of wisdom, he called out their name. 

“Render to Caesar what’s due, that is right, 

But to God what is God’s, let your soul take flight.” 

A coin in their midst, he held it with grace, 

Whose image is stamped on this round, silver face? 

“Caesar, it seems, claims a portion of gold, 

Yet your spirit to God is the treasure you hold.” 

With wisdom that cut like a sharp, double-edged sword, 

He silenced the schemers, their questions ignored. 

In his words, a reminder, so clear and profound, 

To give what is fitting, where truth can be found. 

So let us reflect on this lesson today, 

In balance of duties, we find our own way. 

For while we may honor the realms of our great land, 

Our hearts belong wholly in the care of His hand. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

October 18, 2026 @ 04:44 AM EST

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