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 





The Children Are Free

O Loving Creator who supplies our needs
we find ourselves captive and bound
the world around us is wracked with fears
and we scramble to make ends meet.

Around every turn and in every day
we witness new horrors and predictions
we worry about jobs and economic failure
will there be enough for us all to live.

Yet you are in the midst of us today
like when you sent Peter fishing
the miracle of the coin for the taxes
filled the world with wonder again.

Stand us up to face the coming days
give us the freedom to love and comfort
let us live as children free to serve
free to restore hope and courage today. Amen