Homily for Monday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time

In today's Gospel, we see Jesus and His disciples continuing their journey despite Jesus having foretold His death and Resurrection. They arrive in Capernaum, Simon Peter's home, where an interesting incident takes place. The half-shekel tax was an annual payment made by every Jewish person at the time for the maintenance of the Temple. Jesus states that He and His followers are exempt from this tax, as He is the "New Temple."

However, He tells Peter to pay the tax to avoid offending the religious leaders. Essentially, Jesus proclaims freedom from this obligation but advises setting aside this freedom momentarily to prevent unnecessary offense. This serves as a powerful reminder that while we may have freedom in particular cases, it is wise to forgo that freedom when it could imperil the well-being of others and the common good.