HOMILY FOR THE 29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR A)........... BY REV. FR. JAMES MWANGI.

(Matthew 22:15–21): The Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus with a question about paying the Roman census tax • Repaying Caesar and God: The coin bears Caesar’s image, so it belongs to Caesar; however, human beings are made in the image and likeness of God (eikōn), meaning our ultimate allegiance, heart, and life belong to God. • Responsible Citizenship vs. Supreme Loyalty: We are called to be honest, law-abiding citizens who contribute to the common good, yet earthly governments and political figures do not possess absolute or divine authority over our conscience. • World Mission Sunday: The 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time coincides with World Mission Sunday, calling all members of the Church to active prayer, solidarity, and the ongoing mission (ad gentes) to share the Light of Christ with the world. • Living as a Counter-Cultural Community: Just as the Thessalonians turned away from idols to serve the living God, Christians are invited to live as a contrasting society defined by justice, mercy, and gospel love rather than worldly power and division.