Monday 11 August

St Clare

Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28; Ps 148; Matthew 17: 22-27

Setting an example

Jesus didn’t need to pay the temple tax, required of all Jews as an atonement for the soul. As the Son of God he was exempt but as man he needed to set an example for others and avoid conflict and misunderstanding. In paying he was teaching us a valuable lesson. Sometimes we have to do things we don’t need or want to do, simply because it’s right to do so. How often do we stand firm and refuse to bend? Lord, remind us in our stubborn moments, of the standard you set in doing the right thing.