The Children are Free

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 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.” Matthew 17:22-27 

We are in a crisis in the United States as some children are not free. This has happened throughout our history and it is as ugly and inappropriate as ever. We can abide by the rules of our laws, but those must be challenged if they are abusive and cruel. I am a mother who once had to spend a month away from my toddler child  because of an infection and I nearly lost my mind. She was cared for by family by the pain was and still is very real. I cannot imagine the pain these families feel. And truly, not of us will be free, until the families are reunited and they are given the chance to be free. 

Jesus is challenged about paying his taxes. He knows that all people are royal, heavenly children and that we should not be ground down to support the wealthy. And yet he abides by the law and teaches faith at the same time. Our faith is calling us to be motivated to do something, just as Jesus told Peter to go fish. The act of engaging makes miracles happen, even in the midst of repressive and cruel governments, now as it was then.

Today, I ask God to help me move and act for the healing and freedom of all. May we know that every single human being is made in the image of God, and not quit until all are set free.