Tax Exempt
There is no audio/podcast for today’s reading & meditation.
Monday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Matthew 17:22-27 - As Jesus and his disciples were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were overwhelmed with grief.
When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay the temple tax?” “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?” When he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the subjects are exempt. 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.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Then the subjects are exempt. But…you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for Me and for you.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
The Jews are to pay a small Temple tax, and Simon Peter is questioned by the taxmen as to whether Jesus pays this tax or not. In private, Jesus and Simon discuss whether Jesus should be required to pay such a tax—after all, Jesus is greater than the Temple, and He is not bound by its rules. It is important to note how Jesus responds, and how he pays. Jesus gives money to pay the tax, so as not to offend others. Yet, in a way, it is not His money—the money is miraculously provided.
It is interesting that Simon Peter’s tax money is miraculously provided for him as well. If we want to better understand this, we have to realize that Jesus has just recently put Peter in charge of His Kingdom on earth, and that He is on His way to Jerusalem to die. Jesus has placed Peter, who would otherwise be subject to the Temple tax, above this tax, because Peter is now beginning to exercise the authority of Christ on earth. Peter and his successors, the popes, are in charge of Christ’s Kingdom on earth until Christ returns. Are we faithful to the pope? Do we heed what He is saying? Do we pray for him every day?
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
Like Pier? Share it with others (via links below) / Subscribe to it (below) / Support (the mission)
