The WORD in other words (2006) by Fr Florante Camacho SVD – Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Monday 19th Week in Ordinary Time
It is often said that there are two constants in life: changes and taxes! Changes are inevitable “ hellos and goodbyes and hellos!” Taxes are either demanded by the state or by the church for services to be enjoyed by all.
Of old, the Romans taxed their conquered colonies to maintain their empire and their luxurious lifestyles. The Jews taxed all 20-year old males to maintain the Temple in Jerusalem. Today, in most Third World countries, we say that taxes are demanded of the people to maintain the corrupt lifestyles of government officials.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus paid His temple tax although He knew He was the Messiah! This was to avoid giving a bad example to other faithful Jews.
Jesus knew that after His passion and resurrection, His followers need not pay this tax anymore. He also knew that around 70 AD, the temple will be completely destroyed by the Romans and never to be rebuilt. Perhaps our Lord is telling us, too, that Christianity and good citizenship go hand in hand.
Sometimes paying taxes might be very difficult to do when corrupt government officials abound. However, a failure in good citizenship is also a failure in being a good Christian! Do you believe this? Then go ahead and live it!
