R-E-S-P-E-C-T

First Reading: Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28c
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 148
Gospel: Matthew 17:22-27

Death and Taxes, we can't escape them. These are just two things in life that we all need to face. In the gospel today, it appears as though this was the case in the days of Jesus as well. In the gospel today Jesus and Peter are confronted with the scenario of whether to pay the temple tax. In order not to offend the tax collectors, Jesus and Peter pay the temple tax through a miraculous fishing event.

So, what do we take away from this reading? The first thing that came to my mind was a song by the "Queen of Soul", Aretha Franklin. The song as we all know it is called "R-E-S-P-E-C-T." There it is plain and simple, I believe this gospel speaks a lot about how we need to respect those in authority. Now hearing this may cause some of you to start seeing red, but before you click away, just hear me out. I am not saying that we need to agree and support all of our authority figures, but we do need to respect them and their positions. I don't think that it matters whether it is the president of the US, your boss at work, or your parents; everyone deserves respect, especially those who have a position of authority. Remember, the golden rule is to "do to others as you would have them do to you (Luke 6:31)."

Jesus not only taught truth and wisdom, but he lived it out. He was not sent here to be a law breaking heathen, he was sent here to fulfill the law and to save us. Jesus shows us to have respect for the law and for authority figures. The greatest leaders throughout history always lived out their message. If Jesus sought out to do this during His life here on earth, shouldn't we also be doing the same thing?

Father in Heaven, you gave us your Son to save us and guide us through this life. Fill us with your Spirit so that we might be better servants of you. Let us lead by your example so that others may see your goodness and love through us. Lord, we pray that your will be done in our lives, and we pray for all those who are struggling in their faith. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.