Lessons from Jesus paying the Temple Tax

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Nineteenth Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 17:22-27*

*First Reading : Ez 1:2-5, 24-28c*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14*

*Lessons from Jesus paying the Temple Tax*

*1) Sons are free from paying the Taxes*

In the context of paying the taxes, one question is answered clearly 

Whether the Sons are subjected to pay the temple tax or not. It is clear from the passage that the sons are exempted from paying the taxes 

They enjoyed this freedom 

*2) Jesus is the Son of God*

This is the highest sonship of Jesus 

He is the Son of the most high, who is above every law of this world 

Accordingly no law can subject to Jesus since he is the master of every law 

So Jesus is in no way subject to pay the temple tax 

Yet he pays the tax. This is the beauty of Jesus. This gesture of Jesus teaches us a profound lesson for our life 

*3) Reasons behind Jesus paying the temple tax*

*A) Avoid Trouble for tax collectors*

Jesus didn't want the tax collectors to put into trouble. So to avoid this trouble Jesus pays the temple tax 

*B) To avoid offence and Misunderstanding*

This is the another reason why Jesus paid the temple tax. Committing offence puts us into to trouble. We need to be careful about committing offence

*C) To become a model for Others*

By paying the temple tax Jesus projecting himself as a model for others to follow. Paying the temple tax is the duty and one must do it joyfully with grumbling and putting others into trouble 

*D) A great lesson of Humility*

Paying of the temple tax also shows the humility of Jesus. He humbles himself before this earthly kings, even though he was not subjected for such a thing. A great lesson of humility is found in this gesture of Jesus 

*E) Obedience*

Jesus teaches another important lesson, the lesson of obedience. By paying the taxes, Jesus is obeying the civil authority. This highlights the aspect of obedience in our day today life 

*F) A new challenge for human authority and power*

Usually power and authority is associated with control and dominance. Jesus gives us a different model 

Jesus is above the earthly kings and their authority. Yet Jesus uses his power and  authority for service and not for dominance. 

By paying the temple tax Jesus also highlighting the servant leadership and not the authoritarian dictatorship 

*4) My responsibility towards my Duty*

How do I perform my duties? 

Do I put others into difficulty by not doing my duty? 

Do I offend others by not doing my duty? 

By doing a little more, do I set myself as example for others? 

Do I avoid trouble or creat trouble with regard to my duty? 

How do I fulfill my obligations towards the temple, which is the part and parcel of my life? 

How do I see the gesture of Jesus paying the temple tax?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*