Monday, August 11, 2014

Today's Liturgical Readings.

Feast of St. Clare.

Readings: Ezekial 1:2-5, 24-28; Psalms 148:1-2, 11-14; Gospel: Matthew17:22-27

Readings: Ezekial 1:2-5, 24-28

On the fifth day of the month (it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin), the word of the Lord came to the priest Ezekiel son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the Lord was on him there.

As I looked, a stormy wind came out of the north: a great cloud with brightness around it and fire flashing forth continually, and in the middle of the fire, something like gleaming amber. In the middle of it was something like four living creatures. This was their appearance: they were of human form.

When they moved, I heard the sound of their wings like the sound of mighty waters, like the thunder of the Almighty, a sound of tumult like the sound of an army; when they stopped, they let down their wings. And there came a voice from above the dome over their heads; when they stopped, they let down their wings.

And above the dome over their heads there was something like a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was something that seemed like a human form. Upward from what appeared like the loins I saw something like gleaming amber, something that looked like fire enclosed all around; and downward from what looked like the loins I saw something that looked like fire, and there was a splendor all around. Like the bow in a cloud on a rainy day, such was the appearance of the splendor all around. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.

When I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of someone speaking.

Gospel: Matthew 17:22-27

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

When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?” He 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?” When Peter said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the children are free. However, 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.”

Focus: "However, so that we do not give offence... give (the coin) to them for you and me" (Matthew 17:27)

Many years ago I happened to do a course in theology. I remember how proud I was of my new-found knowledge and how I would lose no opportunity to let people know I had it. I would also look down on those who, according to me, were still steeped in old, near-superstitious beliefs. 

Contrast this attitude with that of Christ (today's Gospel) when the question arose about his payment of the temple tax - an unpopular levy that needed special tax collectors to make the people shell out. As the Son of God, Jesus could claim exemption from this tax. But did he assert his legitimate superiority? Did He flaunt His status? Instead, he complied with the authorities (and, in the bargain, helped Peter save face). Peter, in typical Peter style, had impetuously asserted that his master was indeed paying the temple tax (Matthew 17:25).

What I gain from this is a lesson in humility and maturity and, above all, kindness. There is no need to hurt people's feelings. There is no need to "give offence" (Focus). There is no harm in conforming sometimes. 

If the Son of God chose to serve rather than be served, so can I. 

Fruit: As I reflect on today's readings let me work out ways in which I can be kind to my neighbour. Let me realise that being kind is better than being right.