Faith Daily | 8 August 2022

PRAYER of the DAY - APBA p570

Grant to us, Lord, we beseech you,

the spirit to think and do always such things as are right,

that we, who cannot do anything that is good without you,

may by you be enabled to live according to your will;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOSPEL for the Day: Matthew 17: 22-27

22As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, 23and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.” And they were greatly distressed.

24When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?” 25He said, “Yes, he does.” And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?” 26When Peter said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the children are free. 27However, so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.”

GOSPEL REFLECTION: Mary Rose

Jesus again tells the disciples of his death and resurrection. However, although the gospel tells us that they were very distressed, it becomes apparent in the passion story that although they understood what he said it had not really sunk in or perhaps they could not believe that anyone could betray their leader who had performed miracles and preached such inspirational messages. It was difficult to reconcile this with the idea of a Messiah who would overthrow their oppressors! Do we really grasp the enormity of Christ’s sacrifice and suffering for our sin or the wonder of his rising on the third day? Only can faith help us grasp the love with which he died for us and the wonder of his rising from the dead.

The second part of the reading shows us that Jesus did not come to overthrow the law. He pays his dues. Even when he doesn’t agree with them he shows respect to those in authority, both civil and religious. We recall that Jesus when asked about paying taxes had asked whose image was on the coin and then answered – Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s (Mark 12.17).

The interchange between Jesus and Peter is a little difficult to interpret. Perhaps Jesus is saying to Peter not to become annoyed with the collectors. A coin could be easily found to pay. Jesus wasn’t worried about small things, he was concerned for the people who were being oppressed and burdened by others.

We too should not be distracted by annoying and trivial matters and so neglect our duty as Christians to love one another and to show Christ’s love in our lives.

FINAL PRAYER David Adam “The Rhythm of Life”

Jesus, born a refugee,

Come among us.

Jesus, friend of the poor,

Come among us.

Jesus, lover of the outcast,

Come among us.

Christ, food for the hungry,

Come among us.

Christ, health of the sick,

Come among us.

Christ, saviour of the world,

Come among us.

Jesus, bringer of good news,

Come among us.

Jesus, hope of us all,

Come among us.

Amen