The lessons from the paying of Temple Tax

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 19th Week : Monday

*Gospel : Mt 17:22-27*

*First Reading : Dt 10:12-22*

*The lessons from the paying of Temple Tax*

*1) Was Jesus liable to pay Temple Tax?*

In fact Jesus was not liable to pay the temple tax. The reasons are very clear 

Jesus told Peter why he should not have to pay the tax: 

1. He owned the temple (Mal. 3:1).

2. He had previously cleansed the temple (Jn. 2:16).

3. He was the eternal Son of God (Mt. 16:16).

*2) The reasons for paying the Taxes*

Jesus also told Peter why he should pay the tax:

1. To maintain a good testimony: *"Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them."*

2. To increase Peter's faith

3. To illustrate His work as the second Adam

When God created Adam he gave the control over the Fish

Now Jesus the Second Adam is also having that control over every creature 

So it should be noted that the fish obyed its creator

*3) Increase of Peter's Faith*

Here it should be noted this miracle as the test of Peter's faith 

In fact Peter was an expert fishermen. And now such an expert man receiving the advice from Jesus, about fishing 

How to fish, where to fish and what type of fish to catch 

Now it is a situation where Peter exhibited His humility and listened to Jesus 

That is how he proved his loyalty to Jesus 

*4) We need to do certain things to maintain Harmony*

The paying of the taxes was purely seen an maintaining of the harmony. In other words the taxes were paid so that they do not offend others by not paying it or they don't put others into trouble

So the lesson is very clear, at times we have to go out of the way and do certain things in order to maintain harmony, even though we are not expected to do such things 

This also shows the generosity of the person 

*5) Responsibility towards the Society*

Paying of the taxes also shows ones responsibility towards the Society

Since we are living in a society, we have to duty and responsibility of maintaining the discipline of the society. 

One of the ways to do it, by paying the taxes to the Government, for the developmental works and maintaining the harmony

*6) How about my Life?*

Am I ready to Listen to Jesus like Peter, even at times I feel, I am competent in certain areas? 

Am I ready to go out of the way, to do something for the betterment of the society and to maintain the harmony? 

Am I ready to cooperate with my duty towards the society? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*