Creative Citizenship
- davidwperk
- Nov 22, 2023
- 5 min read
Devotional Reflection, Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Proper 28. the week of the twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost
The Rev. David W. Perkins, Th.D.
Key phrases for reflection from today’s reading:
27However, so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.
You will find the full text of today’s Gospel reading at the end of this reflection.
Daily Office Lectionary Readings (BCP, 992)
AM Psalm 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30; PM Psalm 119:121-144
1 Macc. 3:42-60; Rev. 21:9-21; Matt. 17:22-27
Today we celebrate the Feast of C. S. Lewis. (See below.)
David's Reflections
How do people of faith relate to secular political authority, even authority as demagogic as the Roman dictatorship or as oppressive of Jewish Christians as the Jerusalem hierarchy in the Book of Acts? The Jewish temple tax was required annually of each Jewish male. Pilgrims from afar paid it when they came for the great pilgrim feasts, like Passover, the feast that had brought Jesus and his followers to Jerusalem. The tax was payable only in Phoenician coinage, which required pilgrims to pay an exchange rate for their foreign coinage. Such coinage lacked images of the emperor. Jesus drove out those money exchangers when he cleansed the temple.
Jesus' detractors had identified Peter as the spokesperson of the group of followers, so they approached him with their tax question, timely as it was at a pilgrim feast. Of course, the question was loaded. The questioners were attempting to set Jesus up; they were not really seeking information. If he did not pay the tax, he could be attacked as disloyal to Judaism and the temple. If he did, his criticisms of the religious leaders would be diluted by his support of the temple system.
This episode stands only in Matthew's Gospel, and it provides one of three narratives about Peter unique to Matthew. (This one of the coin in the fish's mouth, Peter's walking on the water, and Jesus' word to him that he was the rock on which the church was built.) These and other indicators point toward Peter probably being the hero of the community in which Matthew's Gospel originated.
For early Christians being persecuted by Rome and for moderns living in consternation about their own government's domestic and foreign policies, this story has several messages. First, we ultimately are under God's kingly rule; human authority is secondary. Jesus made that point by emphasizing that a king's children do not pay him taxes; they are free. Second, we pay taxes as an act of service to God and as a witness to others. Bad citizenship exhibits a lack of integrity inconsistent with our commitment; also, irresponsible citizenship weakens the fabric of community and the governments from whom we receive countless benefits.
Would that we could emulate Jesus’ prophetic mindset and his wise, creative responses to imperial and local government.
Collect of the Day, Proper 28, the twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP, 236)
Today we celebrate the Feast of C. S. Lewis, apologist and spiritual writer (died 22 Nov 1963 CE).
Collect of the Feast of C. S. Lewis
O God of searing truth and surpassing beauty, we give you thanks for Clive Staples Lewis whose sanctified imagination lights fires of faith in young and old alike; Surprise us also with your joy and draw us into that new and abundant life which is ours in Christ Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A Collect for Grace
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, 100)
For the Poor and the Neglected
Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those
who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 826)
A Prayer for Light
O Lord God Almighty, as you have taught us to call the evening, the morning, and the noonday one day; and have made the sun to know its going down: Dispel the darkness of our hearts, that by your brightness we may know you to be the true God and eternal light, living and reigning for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP, 110)
A Collect for Mission
Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen. (BCP, 101)
Daily Office Gospel, Matthew 17:22-27
22 As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, 23and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.’ And they were greatly distressed.
24 When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, ‘Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?’ 25He said, ‘Yes, he does.’ And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, ‘What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?’ 26When Peter said, ‘From others,’ Jesus said to him, ‘Then the children are free. 27However, so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.
Daily Offices in The Book of Common Prayer
Morning Prayer, Rite 2, page 75, The Book of Common Prayer
Noonday Prayer, page 103, Book of Common Prayer
Order of Worship for Evening (Vespers), p 109, Book of Common Prayer
Evening Prayer, Rite 2, page 115, Book of Common Prayer
Compline (Night Prayer), page 127, Book of Common Prayer
Daily Devotionals, page 136, Book of Common Prayer
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