Mt 17:22-27
22As [Jesus and his disciples] were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, 23and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were overwhelmed with grief.
24When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” 25“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?” 26When he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the subjects are exempt. 27But 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.”
Reflection:
That we may not offend them. Not being a foreigner, Jesus is exempt from the temple tax. But so as not to offend people, he pays the prescribed tax. While we often look for exemptions, finding ways to avoid our obligations and wanting to be excused, Jesus does not mind sharing in people’s burdens.
We demand our rights and often forget our responsibilities. We hate falling in line and waiting for our turn. We expect privileges and clamor for what we believe is due to us. If only we are as demanding when it comes to our duties and responsibilities, perhaps things will be a bit better in our world.
It is all right to demand our rights; but even our rights are gifts. Besides, let us not forget that with every right is a corresponding responsibility, even if only not to offend people.
Be kind and gracious on the road and towards the people you see.