Breaking the Word

As they 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, "Doesn't 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." (Mt 17:22-27)

Jesus prepared his disciples for his journey to Jerusalem and also for his death. The disciples who were ready to go any extend to be with their master and Lord were overwhelmed with grief. However one may be prepared, the death always leaves us with grief and so also any news about it.

Jesus also gives a social teaching in this passage compared to his religious teachings. Here he talks about tolls and census tax. Jesus is also aware of the social or political practice of the society. Taxes are always collected from the foreigners.

Jesus carries over this image and practice to the temple tax. Since he is the son of God he does not have the need to pay the temple tax. Temple is not the foreign land for him. In fact the temple belongs to him (He is the temple). But herein he gives a beautiful lesson that is worth reflecting about. “But we may not offend them” seem to suggest the delicate conscience of Jesus. He wanted no one to take offence at him. He wanted to comply to all rules. 

 Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be…

"Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master's return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them…

Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more. (Lk 12:32-48)

Kingdom is a gift from God. He is pleased to give it. Kingdom is not given in exchange for any of our activities. But anyone who receives this gift is obliged, by the gift itself, to activities that will in turn build up treasures in heaven. The gift (kingdom) obliges us to sell all what we have and give them to the poor. The gift (kingdom) obliges us to store up treasure in heaven. So the gift is important.

“Gird your loins and light your lamps” reminds us to be ready and watchful. Like the kingdom which is a gift given freely; so also the arrival of the master (Lord of the kingdom) will happen unexpectedly. No one knows the time and the hour. It could happen at any watch of the night. People should wait for his arrival but should be ready and watchful.

Gift given is not to waste the gift. Whatever is entrusted is demanded later. Whatever is given is to be accounted for and to be transparent about. Because the lord says that much will be required (accountability) and more will be demanded (transparency). Yes, every gift is obliging.