Readings: Ezekiel 1:2-5,24-28, Ps. 148:1-2,11-14, Matthew 17:22-27
“What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take a toll or tribute? From their children or from others?” When Peter said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the children are free.” (Matthew 17:25-26)
One way to define “war” is when two people believe they are both right, and each insists the other party is wrong. From small domestic battles to arguments over football, disagreements about who is to blame in politics, and even full-scale battles between nations, the square root of our fights is our refusal to admit we are wrong.
- Was Jesus supposed to pay the temple tax? The temple tax is an annual half-shekel tax imposed on Jewish males over the age of 20 to support the upkeep and maintenance of the Temple in Jerusalem. This tax was based on Exodus 30:13-16 and was a way for the Jewish community to contribute to the Temple’s expenses. As a Jewish male, Jesus wasn’t exempt from the payment of the temple tax, but as God in human flesh, Jesus ought not to pay the temple tax. Does a king collect taxes from his children?
- Why did the tax collectors talk to Peter instead of Jesus? The fact that the tax collectors did not come to Jesus directly indicates that they knew that Jesus is God. They saw Jesus but lacked the courage to approach Him, so they went to Peter, who had just been appointed the head of the apostles. They hoped that Peter would say, “No. He doesn’t pay tax,” so they could use it against Him. This issue of tax would again resurface in Matthew 22:15-22. The Pharisees sent their disciples to Jesus, along with the Herodians, saying: “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth… is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” Jesus knew the implication of saying either yes or no, so he answered: “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the Emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.
- What was Jesus’ mood when the tax issue arose in today’s Gospel passage? Matthew reports that Jesus had just announced to his disciples how he would suffer, be killed and rise on the third day, “and they were greatly distressed” (Matthew 17:23). This was the second time Jesus would be making this announcement. Peter once tried to dissuade Jesus from towing this line, but Jesus rebuked him, calling him Satan. Hence, Peter and the other disciples did not attempt to challenge Jesus this time but were unhappy. In this frame, the tax collectors met Peter, demanding tax.
- How did Jesus respond to the matter of tax? As soon as Peter got home, Jesus was the first to speak, and He said something very striking: “However so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.” (Matthew 17:27). Jesus said something similar when John the Baptist was about to baptize him: “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” (Matthew 3:15). Jesus was determined to fulfil all righteousness. He always aimed for perfection.
- What do we learn from this encounter? Aim for perfection. It is better to avoid offending others than insisting on your rights. Some wars are not worth fighting. You may be right, but sometimes, it is wiser to make peace than to stoke the fires of war. Asking Jesus to pay the temple tax belittled Him, yet Jesus did not insist on His rights as God. Jesus chose to tow the path of peace by condescending to the payment of the temple tax. Jesus could have argued with the tax collectors or forced them to believe in His Divinity, but He chose the more convincing option: He worked a miracle to pay the tax. He did something only God could do: ask Peter to catch a fish with a coin. How did Jesus know there would be a coin in the first fish that came up? The tax collectors will tremble with fear upon hearing how Peter got the shekel.
- This passage teaches us that God fully controls the universe. God knows everything and sees everything. We might not believe like these tax collectors, but our failure to believe does not reduce God. Do you doubt God? Just pray that He would open your eyes as He opened the eyes of Ezekiel in today’s first reading.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach us to understand before seeking to be understood. Help us to be agents of your peace to the world. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Monday of week 19 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ezekiel 1:2-5,24-28, Ps. 148:1-2,11-14, Matthew 17:22-27).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu