And Jesus Paid His Temple Tax

Today's Gospel echoes this truth. Jesus tells His disciples of His coming death, and they are “overwhelmed with grief” (Matt 17:23).

Then comes the temple tax. The collectors ask Peter, “Does your teacher pay the tax?” (Matt 17:24). Jesus, the Son of God, was under no obligation, yet He submits, not out of duty, but “so that we may not cause offense” (Matt 17:27). He could have simply handed Peter a coin, but instead, He performs a miracle: a fish with a coin in its mouth. A reminder that He reigns over all creation.

We are, in a sense, “foreigners. We must obey the laws of the land. Respect authority. Pay our taxes.

Pal Ronnie