Payment of the Temple Tax

Today's Reflections

Payment of the Temple Tax 

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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.”

Reflection:

Temple tax. Every male Jew is obliged to pay tax for the upkeep of the Temple. Priests and rabbis are exempted from paying. Furthermore, the Roman Empire exacts taxes from foreigners, not from its subjects or citizens.

Being a Jewish rabbi, Jesus is not required to pay. Yet Jesus orders Peter to pay. Why? Jesus wants to avoid giving scandal or bad example. He waives his right of being exempted in order not to offend the Temple authorities.

In paying, Jesus asks Peter to go back to his former occupation, fishing. Jesus points out to Peter that the money for the Temple tax must come from their own labor, from their own sweat. Jesus thus shows not only his reverence for the Temple, his respect for authorities and regulations, but also the value of honest work and God’s providential care.

How do we show respect for the laws of the State

and to the commandments of the Church?

Do you appreciate the honest work of your hands and that of others?