FR. GERALD MUSA HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 19TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II (1)

FR. GERALD MUSA HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 19TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II

THEME: SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

BY: FR. GERALD M. MUSA

HOMILY FOR MONDAY AUGUST  8 2022

In ancient times, kings usually collected taxes from foreigners and since Jesus was not a foreigner, he was not obliged to pay taxes. However, Jesus and his disciples paid taxes to avoid scandal, showing a bad example, and giving offense. He wanted to teach his followers how to be responsible citizens and so he instructed Peter to go get some money and pay the tax. Besides, by asking Peter to go and remove the money from the fish, he was teaching his disciples how to pay taxes and levies from their labour and income. Every true religion helps people to know God, understand what God requires of them, and remind them of their civic and social responsibilities. As Christians, we are called to be law-abiding citizens. Jesus paid temple tax, which was for the upkeep of the temple, to give us a good example of what it means to be a good citizen. Serving God must not take us away from our social responsibilities; rather our closeness to God should make us even more aware of our obligations to the society in which we live. Are we aware of our social and civic responsibilities and how committed are we in our efforts to be good citizens? How much effort do we make to set good examples for others to follow?

MATTHEW 17:22-27

Monday, 19th Week