Matthew 17:27
But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you.
My family has always had a love of fishing. As a young man I would frequently go fishing with my grandfather or my dad. I'm pretty sure my grandfather knew every stream and creek in a 100 mile radius of our little town in Kentucky. Then when we moved to Florida my dad would take me out into Tampa Bay in a little rental boat. Those days were always filled with great memories and of course lots of fish stories. There is a certain amount of skill required to fish, but in many ways it doesn't matter how skilled you are if the fish aren't biting. Fishing, at its core, involves trusting in something completely out of your control.
Today's gospel begins with Jesus telling the disciples that he will be put to death. And they were overwhelmed with grief (Mt 17:23). Then we get what feels like a very sudden shift to the story of the temple tax. Jesus explains that neither he nor the disciples have to pay the tax. But in order not to offend he pays it anyway. Instead of making the disciples come up with the money on their own Jesus provides it through a miracle. Jesus is reminding the disciples, and us, that even in his absence he will provide. No matter what you are waiting for right now Jesus is there just waiting to make those fish bite. All you need to do is drop in a hook.
