Yahweh cares for Israel

Yahweh cares for Israel

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

 Deut. 10:12-22, Mt. 17:22-27. The more aware we become of God’s majesty, the more amazing is the Divine care for all creatures. Today’s first reading catches this paradox as it focuses on the majesty of God. The highest Heavens belong to Him, with the earth and everything in it. Yahweh care for Israel and they deeply felt it as a living truth. The all-powerful God chooses the smallest group for His special care, for such is His gracious love. Nevertheless, Israel must not scorn the other, non-chosen peoples, but reach out to embrace, befriend, feed and clothe them; for God “has no favourites and does justice for the orphan and the widow.” This is much more than a restatements of Israel’s law, like Paul calls for a warm, personal response to the law.

Jesus teaches us such personal response when He accepts the Temple tradition and asks Peter to pay the Temple tax for both of them in today's Gospel. This half-shekel tax towards the upkeep of the Temple was annual due from every adult Jew. Jesus says that in principle He and His followers are exempt from this tax, because He embodies the new Temple. Still, He tells Peter to pay the tax so as not to give offence. In other words, though He is free from just obligation but chooses not to avail of obligation, for the sake of charity. This reminds us that though our conscience feels free in regard to certain matters, it is better to refrain when the good of others is at stake.

May the Lord stay with us and with everyone we meet this week and let us give His joy and peace to the world! Amen!! Good morning, have a fruitful week!!!

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