That We May Not Offend...
Gospel Reflection for August 12th, 2024
The title I have chosen for this gospel reflection can be puzzling for us, Americans. It is almost in the DNA of our culture to give offense—and be the individual. The truth is we are part of communities and the individual is still part of some greater community.
The question of the customary temple tax results from the request being given to Jesus and the apostles. The purpose of the tax was twofold being the upkeep of the temple & a sign of solidarity for the Jewish people. It doesn’t sound so unreasonable put into those terms; after all, our parishes ask its parishioners for money for capital campaigns to keeping the lights on in the church.
And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”1
So, is there a controversy here? The controversy is naturally the misuse of funds given to the temple—the same as misuse of funds like in our own parishes. The countless examples from Peter’s Pence being used to invest in the movie Rocketman (Elton John bio film) to the wasting of the generosity of a parishioner trying to help the future of the parish like I referenced in my letter.
What does Jesus, our Lord, say? He says keep giving yourself for the purpose of not creating a scandal for the other faithful. In my example, I keep going to pastoral council meetings. I keep going to masses for the purpose of instilling the faith in my children.
And how can we keep giving? Today’s gospel with the shekel found in the mouth of the fish in the words of Barbara Reid gives, “the story the air of a folktale.”2 Matthew provides us the detail to illustrate the Lord will give us the strength to endure the scandals of our lives and give us strength of faith, so long as we put our trust in Him. Needless to say, we are a body too—so we need each others help and prayers. I thank all of you for your prayers.
God Bless.
Mt. 17: 25-27, ESV-CE
Barbara E. Reid, “The Gospel according to Matthew,” New Testament, ed. Daniel Durken, The New Collegeville Bible Commentary (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2009), 58.