Heaven and earth are filled with your glory. — Isaiah 6:3

Mass Readings: Ezekiel 1:2-5,24-28 / Matthew 17:22-27 

No Offense 

To offend or not to offend, that is the question. In today’s Gospel, Jesus seems to be saying to Peter that they need not pay the temple tax, but that they will pay it anyway so as not to offend anyone. We can learn something from the example of Christ in this passage. Sometimes we may be tempted to give offense without good reason. Jesus, in His love for others, doesn’t cause needless offense. 

At other times, love compels us to give offense for the good of others or ourselves. Jesus certainly did on occasion, for example, “Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all those engaged in selling and buying there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves” (Mt 21:12). 

Prayer: Jesus, give us the wisdom not to offend anyone unless it serves You.