IS IT RIGHT FOR A CHRISTIAN TO PAY TAX TO THE STATE? (HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 19TH WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME) (ST. DOMINIC, PRIEST)

Theme: Is it right for a Christian to pay tax?

Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28; Matthew 17: 22-27

The first reading speaks of the call of the prophet Ezekiel. The encounter between the prophet and God, in which the prophet experienced  God's holiness, greatness and mighty power. To Ezekiel was revealed the nearness and holiness of God. Ezekiel came to the understanding that God is everywhere and cannot be confined to a particular place because even in their exile, God was present. 

This spiritual encounter took place in the 5th year of the exile of King Jehoiachin..in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar (Ezek 1:2-3). The revelation of God in his greatness made a profound impression on Ezekiel, for he said, “when I saw it I fell to the ground”. The prophet before God exuded humility, modesty, and submission.

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, one of the tactics mostly deployed by the evil one towards the demoralization of our faith, especially at difficult and sorrowful times is to sow the seed that God is absent. That God is not mindful of our problems, and in fact, that the problems we pass through are proofs that the evil one prevails over us. This tactical methodology invades our faith and weakens it. Hence, we begin to doubt the presence, care and power of God and slide into despair. Friends in Christ, God is everywhere; present to us at every time and location. Let us not be downcast but rather persevere, endure and be constant in faith. 

The Gospel of today speaks of the temple task paid by Jesus and Peter. For the efficient management of the temple, an annual tax was paid by every Jew above the age of 20 years (Exodus 30:11-13). So the tax collectors asked Peter, “Does your teacher not pay the temple tax” (Mt 17:24).  When Peter presented the matter to Jesus, Jesus asked, From whom do the kings of the earth take toll or tribute?  From their sons or foreigners? Peter responded from foreigners. Hence, the sons are exempted said, Jesus. However, not to offend the people, Jesus directed Peter to cast a hook and in the mouth of the fish with the first bite, he would find a shekel with which Peter would pay for both of them. 

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus made it clear that being a member of the kingly family, he is not obligated to pay tax. He is the son of God. However, in other to set an example for us to follow he went ahead and paid the temple tax. Friends in Christ, as Christians it is right for us to pay our taxes and not avoid paying to tax. The church promotes the payment of taxes by the citizens to the state. Hence, it is a sacred obligation for Christians to pay taxes. Every Christian is bound to give support and obedience to the laws of the state in so far as they respect the universal and natural laws of God. 

May this spiritual encounter with God enlighten our hearts and minds to know what is right and necessary for us to do in respect to the state and the church. 

Have a beautiful day

Fr Remi osj