Matthew 17:22-27

When they 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.” And the disciples were filled with grief. After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes, he does,” he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?” “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, grant me a true spirit of reverence that orders my relationship with you and with the things of this world. 

Encountering Christ:

1. Vision of Faith: In today’s first reading, Ezekiel revealed a vision of God’s glory: fire, wheels, wings, and light. It is a Messianic vision: “High above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up, he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down, he looked like fire, and brilliant light surrounded him. Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking” (Ezekiel 1:26-28). While most of us are not privileged to experience such visions, we can ask for faith to sense God’s glorious presence alive in and through all of creation. Like Ezekiel, we “fall facedown” in humble reverence before the majesty of God. 

2. Jesus’ Assumption and Condescension: Jesus alluded once again to the forthcoming paschal mystery he was to endure. Even before his suffering at the hands of man, despite his glory and status, Jesus did not shun the circumstances of man-made rituals and practices. He didn’t shun earthly things unless they led towards a path of destruction. Instead, he puts things in their place and teaches us to do the same. Assuming human nature, he was a citizen of this world, like us. He helped Peter to provide the temple tax that was requested. And yet, he knew his rightful place as well. He didn’t lose his identity in the process. Jesus condescends from his glorious throne, but in humility and freedom, he puts all things in their rightful place, not creating scandal or offense where it is not compromising his own identity. 

3. A New Vision: We are a creation of God, privileged to be sons in the Son. We place ourselves before the majestic presence of God in a spirit of humble reverence and ask to see this world through his heart. We ask to see our place in the world as citizens of this world while called to be citizens of God’s Kingdom. We strive to maintain a spirit of reverence as we abase ourselves, taking up the crosses we are given for God’s greater glory. 

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, grant me a reverent heart towards all things good, noble, and true, and a courageous heart to shun that which does not affirm my identity as a child of God. I am called to build your Kingdom here on earth through the right use of the goods at my disposal. 

Resolution: Lord, today, by your grace, I will recognize any tendencies that pull me away from glorifying you and make an act of humble reverence. 

For Further Reflection: Discernment of Spirits, Rule 6.