Payment of the Temple Tax

Today's Reflections 

 

                                      

Payment of the Temple Tax

Mt 17:22-27

²²As [Jesus and his disciples] were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, ²³and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were overwhelmed with grief.

²⁴When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Doesn’t 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?” ²⁶When he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the subjects are exempt. ²⁷But 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.”

Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax? The issue on paying taxes is preceded by the second prediction of the passion. The disciples are greatly distressed. They could neither understand nor accept what Jesus is saying. If Jesus their Master were to be put to death, then they would very likely receive the same treatment from those who hate him.

Jesus teaches his disciples the virtue of obedience, of following the will of the Father. Sent by the Father to redeem men and women from the bondage of sin, Christ knows that he will have to give up his life in the process. The prophet Isaiah has foretold that the Suffering Servant will make atonement for sins through his suffering and death.

In much the same way, Jesus pays the temple tax and does not complain. He takes the time to clarify the issue. He asks Peter to “go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up.” He adds, “Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax.” Peter is to give that to the collectors as payment for both of them. Though they are exempt, they will pay the tax so as not to give offense.

“Place your mind before the mirror of eternity!

Place your soul in the brilliance of glory!

And transform your entire being into

the image of the Godhead Itself through contemplation” (St. Clare).