Found Money

As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.’ And they were greatly distressed. When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, ‘Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?’ He 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?’ When Peter said, ‘From others’, Jesus said to him, ‘Then the children are free. However, so that we do not give offence to them, go to the lake 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.’ Matthew 17:22-27

I have spent considerable time by the ocean, catching and cleaning fish. I have never found a coin in the mouth of a fish, nor have I found a pearl opening an oyster shell. It is nearly impossible to find money let alone coins in a fish's mouth. Yet, Peter follows Jesus' instruction and does just that so the temple tax could be paid. This amazing moment follows a very troubling one when Jesus lets the disciples in on his bitter end to come. Incredible possibility following heartbreak. It is when we are heartbroken and lost when God often makes small miracle happen. Right here among the mess of our lives the stinging salt and the fish scales, small miracles are making ready. May we always be ready to go fishing!

Wondrous Creator, source of all our miracles

you give us our daily needs and shelter too

yet we want flashy miracles and quick answers.

When we are in trouble we fail to follow you

stubbornly we go our own way and get lost

failing into despair with hearts on the ground.

You promise to find us and redeem our lives

giving us daily miracles so we might trust

your love to see us through these trying times. Amen.