Ordinary Time, 29th Sunday (A) The Pharisees set a clever trap. If Jesus supports taxation, he will lose the support of his populist base. If Jesus opposes taxation, they can denounce him to the authorities. Jesus famously escapes the trap with these words: "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."

Jesus is making an important point--all that we have and all that we are truly belongs to God. You are given 1440 minutes every day. Are you being a good steward of God's gift of time? Does your calendar reflect your true priorities?

Every family member pitches in and helps around the house. How can your gifts and talents be used to bless God and bless others?

All our material possessions come from God. We ask everyone to be generous, and you can decide what that means to you. If you want a rule, we suggest you give 5% of your income to your church, 4% to other charities, and 1% to the Diocese. Does your family budget reflect your values?

"God, help us to be grateful and generous."

(18 Oct 2026)

Going Deeper: If you live in the Antigo/Neva area, take a look at the 2026 Ministry Booklet and turn in your Stewardship Commitment Card.

Image Source: AdobeStock_299980473 | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Ordinary Time, 28th Sunday (A) The Chosen People didn't like Jesus and they didn't want to come to his wedding feast. So God opened the kingdom to all people; everyone can come to the royal wedding!

Sunday Mass is a dress-rehearsal for the wedding feast of the Lamb. The invitation is offered to everyone, but we must recognize the gift and be worthy of it. We need to learn to look beyond appearances towards that which is truly valuable. Stewardship is about recognizing the gift, and making a gift back again. Let's listen to a parishioner reflect on Stewardship.

(11 Oct 2026)

Going Deeper: What part of Paul's reflection spoke to you?

Image Source | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Ordinary Time, 27th Sunday (A) God gave us the Garden of Eden, but we didn't take good care of it. We lost paradise and had to scrape a life out of the wilderness.

God plants a vineyard. He transplants the Hebrews from Egypt to Palestine. But the people act like they own the place and they bear rotten fruit. God sends his prophets, but they kill and stone them. God sends his Son, and they kill him too. God takes the vineyard away from them and gives it to the Apostles and the Church.

Now it's our turn to bear good fruit. Are be acting like stewards or like owners? Parishioners should look for their stewardship renewal materials in the mail and prayerfully discern a commitment of time, talent, and treasure for 2027.

The farmers are collecting the harvest. They are digging potatoes and chopping corn. What kind of return is God getting on his investment in you? Are you bearing good fruit?

(4 Oct 2027)

Going Deeper: Look for your renewal materials and consider your stewardship commitments for 2027.

Photo © PilgrimPriest.us | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.