Casting A Hook

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

Caring Creator you provide all our needs

you lead us to places of rest and comfort

you walk with us through the storms of life

and help us find treasure in the common places.

We worry and fret about so many things

our jobs, our health and our children's welfare

the world seems often dangerous and cruel

and we come up short way too regularly.

You were tested by the religious leaders

trying to find misbehavior where there was none

living with the poor and healing the sick

the tax was paid by simply casting a hook.

Help us to trust in your goodness daily

put prayers on our lips and love in our hearts

let our concerns be for those the world scorns

and make us be ready to follow where you lead. Amen.