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The passages of the gospel that we have been listening to over the last few weeks have seen Jesus challenging the religious authorities and their implementation of the Law as they saw it.

In this week’s gospel reading the Pharisees decide to push back. They try to set Jesus up to declare who he has the greater allegiance to – is it to God or to an earthly kingdom in the form of the Roman Empire? For the Pharisees paying taxes to Caesar was to deny God.

For Jesus there is no conflict, and, aware of the trap being set for him by the Pharisees, responds by telling           them to: ‘…give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God’             

On October 16th we celebrate the feast of one of the great Redemptorist saints – St. Gerard Majella. He was a man of great humility, prayer and sacrifice and is the patron saint of mothers and especially expectant mothers.

A Prayer to Saint Gerard

Almighty and Eternal God, we thank you

for the gift of Saint Gerard, and the example of his life.

Because Saint Gerard always had complete faith and trust in you, you blessed him with great powers of help and healing. Through him, you showed your loving concern for all those who suffered or were in need.

You never failed to hear his prayer on their behalf.

Today, through Saint Gerard's powerful intercession,

you continue to show your love for all those who place trust in you.

And so, Father, full of faith and confidence, and in thanksgiving for all the wonderful things you have done for us, we place ourselves before you today.

Through the intercession of Saint Gerard, hear our prayers and petitions, and if it is your holy will, grant them. Amen