Readings: Ezek. 1:2-5.24-28; Ps. 149; Matt. 17:22-27
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.
TAKE IT AND GIVE IT TO THEM FOR ME AND YOU
Oftentimes, people feel that it is not necessary to pay taxes to civil authorities, especially when they are not utilizing the proceeds of the taxes they collected from the people. But in our Gospel passage today, Jesus made us know that we are expected to contribute to the growth of our civil society.
For when the tax collectors of the Temple came to the disciples and asked them on the matter of paying the Temple taxes, Jesus said, ‘Simon, what is your opinion? From whom do the kings of the earth take a toll or tribute? From their sons or foreigners?’ And when he replied, ‘From foreigners’, Jesus said, ‘Well then, the sons are exempt. However, so as not to offend these people, go to the lake and cast a hook; take the first fish that bites, open its mouth and there you will find a shekel; take it and give it to them for me and you.
Here, Jesus respects those in authority both civil and religious, even when he did not agree with them. He paid his dues calling his disciples to do the same while providing for them. Today, we all are called to do the same; let us have deep respect for authorities, both civil and religious, pay our dues and ensure that they are well utilized so that, like Jesus, we may contribute to the growth of our society.
Thus, in our first reading today, we heard how the hand of the Lord came upon Ezekiel. And as he looked; a stormy wind blew from the north, a great cloud with light around it, a fire from which flashes of lightning darted, and in the centre a sheen like bronze at the heart of the fire. This signifies the role of Ezekiel in the civil and religious development of his society.
Dear friends, let us learn to fulfil our civil responsibilities just like Jesus. let us start our day by first taking our time to figure out our priorities and get to work on them. Let us make our task more interesting and attractive and ensure that we contribute to the growth of our civil society. When our tasks seem difficult, just start with the minor ones and from there, we will be motivated to continue and by so doing, we will remain faithful to the commandments of our Lord and contribute to the development of our societies.
LET US PRAY: Lord God, we thank you for the gift of your word. As we begin our task this week, may your glory inspire us and elevate us to greater heights. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a fruitful week.
