8/14/2023 (Monday) Today’s gospel reading: Matthew 17:22-27

22 As Jesus and his disciples were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men,
23 and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were overwhelmed with grief.
24 When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay the temple tax?”
25 “Yes,” he said. When he came into the house, before he had time to speak, Jesus asked him, “What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from foreigners?”
26 When he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the subjects are exempt.
27 But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you.”

8/14/2023 (Monday) Today’s gospel reflection: Matthew 17:22-27

We are subjects of God but we are also subjects of earthly rulers.

• As believers, we should know our priorities. We don’t allow anything to hinder us from living our faith. Yet, we also do not like to offend other people especially the authorities. Jesus shows us that we should not be too concerned with trivial matters such as the debate on paying taxes. (Incidentally, the gospel passage above is found only in Matthew who was himself a tax collector.)
• We are called to be witnesses of God’s love. We are called to be the light and salt of the earth. At all times, we should avoid offending others but instead, we should try to become blessings for others.

Jesus provides everything that we need.
• In our reading above, Jesus tells Peter where to get the coin to pay the tax.
• In many instances of our life, God has provided our needs in ways that boggles the mind. Believe in Him. He still performs miracles. He is our great provider. He is our good shepherd and there is nothing apart from Him that we shall want.

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