Readings: Deuteronomy 10:12-22, Ps. 147:12-15,19-20, Matthew 17:22-27
“What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take a toll or tribute? From their sons or others?’ And when he said, ‘From others,’ Jesus said, ‘Then the sons are free.’ (Matthew 17:25-26)
When some tax collectors approached Peter, Jesus addressed his disciples about his imminent arrest, death and resurrection. They asked: “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” Peter responded: “Yes.” Jesus was not with Peter when this happened, but was aware of their conversation.
This teaches us that God is never far from us. As the Psalmist says, “O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You discern my thoughts from far away when I sit down and rise. You search out my path, and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely.” (Psalm 139:1-4)
Jesus asked Peter, “From whom do kings of the earth take taxes? From their children or others?” Peter said, “From others.” In other words, Jesus is not supposed to pay the temple tax as the Son of God. However, to avoid offending anyone, Jesus instructed Peter on how to get a shekel from a fish in the lake so he would pay the tax.
This attitude of Jesus teaches us a great lesson: Even if we are right, there is no need to offend anyone. It is not enough to do what is right; we must refrain from sending the wrong message to those who may not understand us. Like Jesus, who presented himself for baptism even though he was sinless, we must strive to fulfil all righteousness. Hence, even though we do not belong to this world, we cannot evade the payment of taxes.
In today’s first reading, Moses says to us: “What does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I command you this day for your good?” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).
While we strive to love God with all our hearts, let us remember that we would be deceiving ourselves if we claimed to love God and yet hate our fellow brothers and sisters.
St. Clare of Assisi, born Chiara Offreduccio on July 16, 1194, was the noble daughter of Count Favorino Sciffi and his devout wife Ortolana. At the age of 18, inspired by the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, Clare chose to leave her wealthy life to pursue a life of devotion. On Palm Sunday in 1212, she exchanged her attire for a simple robe and veil, becoming a member of the Benedictine convent of San Paolo. Despite her father’s efforts to bring her back, Clare committed herself to a spiritual marriage with Jesus Christ.
As abbess, Clare was steadfast in defending her community’s principles against pressures from the ecclesiastical authorities. One of her most notable acts of faith was confronting soldiers sent by Frederick II, holding the Blessed Sacrament and trusting in divine protection for her convent. In her later years, Clare faced illness, but her faith remained strong until her death on August 11, 1253. Shortly before her passing, Pope Innocent IV approved her leadership for the Order of Poor Ladies, which was later renamed the Order of Saint Clare. She was canonised in 1255, and her remains are kept at the Basilica of Saint Clare in Assisi.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, deepen our longing for heaven daily. 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. (Saint Clare, Virgin. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Deuteronomy 10:12-22, Ps. 147:12-15,19-20, Matthew 17:22-27)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu