DGeMs- Daily Gospel eMessage
Dear Friend in the Lord,
“Freedom” – Faith: As a family of God, Jesus need not have paid the taxes. However, He said to his disciples, “we shall not be the downfall of others;” and paid the taxes. Ponder on, “Our gift of freedom from God is to be used with the highest priority; to live, love and serve God’s Will at all times. We will surely receive God’s Blessings in great abundance.”
Fr Philip Heng, S.J.
Matthew 17:24-27
When Jesus and his disciples reached Capernaum, the collectors of the half-shekel came to Peter and said, ‘Does your master not pay the half-shekel?’ ‘Yes,’ he replied, and went into the house. But before he could speak, Jesus said, ‘Simon, what is your opinion? From whom do earthly kings take toll or tribute? From their sons or from foreigners?’
And when he replied, ‘From foreigners,’ Jesus said, ‘Well then, the sons are exempt. However, so that we shall not be the downfall of others, go to the lake and cast a hook; take the first fish that rises, open its mouth and there you will find a shekel; take it and give it to them for me and for yourself.’