Gilderious Khonglah csc –
Readings: Ezek 1:2-5,24-28; Mt 17:22-27
As we reflect on today’s Gospel, we realize that Jesus and his disciples are on their way from Galilee to Capernaum. While they were in Galilee, Jesus, ever aware of His Coming Passion, revealed to His disciples the fate awaiting Him. The weight of His message bears down heavily on their hearts, filling them with sorrow. But, in the same breath, He speaks of resurrection a beacon of hope amidst impending darkness. And in Capernaum, Peter was asked about tax. Here Jesus, being the Son of God, subjects Himself to the earthly authorities, teaching us the virtue of humility and obedience.We are called by Jesus to submit ourselves in every area of life. Our life as a Christian is a life of submission to all people.
There is not a single person on earth that we are not called to submit to. Let us look at some of the examples and teachings that are found in the scriptures. We are told to submit to God (Jam 4:7). We are told to submit to our spiritual leaders (Heb 13:17). We are told to submit to every governing authority and every human institution (Rom 13:1). We are told to submit to each other (Eph 5:21). We are told to obey our earthly masters (Eph 6:5). There is no realm in which we are not to submit to others.
There is no situation in which we can sit back and say I do not want to do this because I don’t like it and I have rights. Jesus through the gospel insists us to obey and submit to what we are supposed to. When the world demands something of us, even if it seems trivial or unjust, we are reminded to turn to God in trust. He will provide just as Peter found a coin in the fish’s mouth, and saints found courage and faith in God amidst the horrors of enemies.