Daily Gospel Reflection
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August 8, 2022
As Jesus and his disciples 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,
“Does not 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.”
Our gospel text presents complex moments of anxiety for Peter and the other disciples. Jesus just shared confusing and concerning news about his death. They entered Capernaum, and the temple tax collectors confront them. A life committed to Jesus changes everything, so do established rules (like taxes) still apply?
Bracketing out the noise and politicking, external expectations, and internal questions, Jesus ultimately says to Peter, “Do this one thing for me.” He tells Peter to go fishing. I can almost envision the smile on Peter’s face.
While Jesus’ direction to Peter provided a practical reminder that God will provide, he also reminded Peter of exactly who he was when they first met—a fisherman. The path forward included and required that Peter bring his whole self to his life with Jesus: who he was, who he is, and who he will become.
Jesus’ call offers the same daily opportunity for us to bring our whole selves to our lives with him.
As a parent and educator, I enjoy encouraging and supporting my two daughters and my university students to learn about the unique places they might encounter Christ in other people. During these moments of encounter, we must focus on doing one thing for Jesus today. And then one more thing for Jesus tomorrow. It is a choice every day: Choose Jesus.
Perhaps today, we can choose to listen with greater compassion in our roles as roommates or neighbors. Maybe tomorrow, we can choose to do one thing for Jesus in our commitments as a daughter, father, spouse, or coworker. Or maybe this means going fishing. We never know what Jesus might have in store for us on the other end of the line.
Prayer
God of love and life, you were handed over to men to be tortured and killed, but death was not the end. You rose on the third day. We know that throughout our lives there are times of resurrection but also times of grief. Help each of us, our families, and those we love to never forget the promise of your resurrection. We ask that you continue to send us saintly women and men who are witnesses of your rising so that we may be inspired to grow into the saints that you are calling us to be. Amen.