The Catholic Morning Show

We Bear God's Image: What Do We Owe Caesar, and What Do We Owe God? – Deacon David Penton – 10/16/2026

Episode Summary

Deacon David Penton of the Diocese of Sioux City reflects on Sunday's Gospel, (Matthew 22: 15-21), Jesus' answer about the coin and the census tax. Caesar's image is on the coin, but God's image is on us, and that changes what we chase, what we give, and where we find lasting happiness

Episode Notes

Deacon Mark Campbell welcomes Deacon David Penton of Divine Mercy Catholic Parish, based in Algona and spanning seven churches across Kossuth County and West Bend. Deacon Dave also serves as Coordinator of Formation for the Office of the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Sioux City, after years of teaching high school theology.

Preparing for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 18), he explores Matthew 22:15-21, where Jesus tells the Pharisees and Herodians to repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God:

• Why the coin bears Caesar's image, but every one of us bears the image of God
• The constant pull toward more money, bigger houses, success, and prestige, and how good things become a problem when they take God's place
• Hard work and rest as both part of God's plan
• Seeking treasure in heaven: faith, love, mercy, forgiveness, generosity, and service
• Staying intentional through prayer, the sacraments, and Scripture
• A question to carry into the week: what am I working so hard to gain, and will it matter when I stand before God?

Deacon Mark ties the reflection to Sunday's first and second readings, Isaiah 45 and 1 Thessalonians 1, and the theme of being chosen.

Readings for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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