THE INEVITABLE TAX
Ezekiel 1:2–5, 24-28; Psalm 149; Matthew 17:22–27
Jesus predicts his death a second time. When the disciples came together in Galilee, he said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.” At these words, the disciples were filled with grief because it was difficult for them to accept such a defeat.
Shortly after this, at Capernaum, Jesus and his disciples were asked to pay the temple tax, and Jesus did. In this way, the gospel relates the event of Christ’s death to the payment of taxes. Death is an inevitable tax. It is a price we must all pay. Based on this knowledge, Jesus acted accordingly and aligned himself with the will of the Father in all things.
What is the fate that awaits us? According to the teachings of the Church, the fates that await us are: death, judgement, heaven, or hell (the four last things). This world is not our home. How are we arranging our departure? There is a future glory, as described by the prophet Ezekiel in the first reading. Therefore, let us be faithful to our religious and secular obligations.
Let us pray.
Father, make us obedient children. By the power of the Holy Spirit, help us to shun every form of ungodliness and fill us with every blessing through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
