Mt 17:22-27

Let us all remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Mt 17:22-27
As Jesus and his disciples were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were overwhelmed with grief.
When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes,” he said. When he came into the house, before he had time to speak, Jesus asked him, “What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from foreigners?”
When he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the subjects are exempt. 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.”

Reflection
In this gospel, God reminds us that salvation of our sins is through His death and resurrection. No amount or price can pay for this truth. It challenges us that going to church, submitting ourselves to His words and believing in him is free and non-taxable. A catch of the fish in the passage meant a tremendous catch of God’s passion, death, and resurrection amidst our imperfection. God’s kingdom is priceless. Thus, we are encouraged to believe, pray, and praise Him so that we shall receive the assurance of His abiding love and holy presence. How often do we neglect God’s death and resurrection for the salvation of our sins?

Lasallian Guiding Principle
One of the manifestations of God’s reverence for life is nurturing life. This nurtures all living things including the environment. Thus, Lasallians are challenged to give due respect and care for the resources surrounding us. We must choose to do what is right with the concern and compliance to the rules and regulations on the protection. In this way, we can truly become nurturers and guardians of God’s creation.

Prayer
Lord, your death and resurrection brought life and freedom for all of us. Help us to see our own suffering and that of the world in the light of Jesus’s and appreciate His sufferings. Free us from fixations, irritations and trivialities that distract us from growing in love of your kingdom. Help us endure difficulties and bring our souls to salvation. Please strengthen our faith and give us courage that we may not shrink back from doing your will. May we always walk in that freedom and be guided by your love and truth that we may be generous toward all and give each other their due.

ONE COMMITMENT PRAYER
Lord Jesus,
You love us all and make us your brothers and sisters.
You call us to follow you.
You invite us to announce the Good News.
Lord, grant us the courage to live our commitment.
Teach us to go beyond our borders.
Teach us to discover you in the lowliest
Teach us to see with the eyes of faith
Teach us to share our mission with all Lasallians
Throughout the whole world
We make this prayer through the intercession of Mary,
Queen and Mother of the Christian Schools,
And through the intercession of St. John Baptist de la Salle, patron of teachers. Amen.
St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us. St. Miguel Febres Cordero, pray for us. Live Jesus
in our hearts, forever!
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Value: Reverence for Life (nurturing life)
Culture Theme: We care for the environment
Productivity Theme: Material Order
Institutional Common Virtues (ICV)

Prepared by Ms. Mae Ann T. Bobadilla