Word to the Wise
Monday, August 9, 2021 - Monday in the 19th Week in Ordinary Time
[Deut 10:12-22 and Matt 17:22-27]"What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from 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." [Matthew]
The incident of the temple tax seems strange in that the whole issue was moot by the time the Gospel According to Matthew was written. The temple had been destroyed. We might be tempted to recall the trick question about paying taxes to Caesar, but this situation is different. Every Jewish male was expected to contribute to the upkeep of the temple. Why would this be important any longer to Matthew's community?
The meaning of the story seems to be based on two things. First, the temple authorities approach Simon Peter to ask their question. This reinforces Jesus' earlier designation of Peter as the leader of the disciples. Second, the Gospel According to Matthew was written for a largely Jewish-Christian audience for whom certain observances might have been considered to be still necessary. St. Paul wrestled with this issue in Romans 14:20-23. The response is to be one of love. Some observances may be continued by Christians, even though not required, in order to avoid offense to those who still considered them as required.
We Catholics have classic instances of conflict between a Catholic rule and a social situation that might require "breaking" that rule - i.e. fasting. The ultimate criterion is compassion and love and, no doubt, lots of tact! Which course of conduct bears witness to the gospel? The story of the temple tax is about that kind of situation. Pay the tax, even though, as children of God (and not foreigners), they didn't have to. Enduring an inconvenience for the sake of someone else's feelings may be annoying or it can be an example of Christian charity. AMEN