Gospel (Mt 17,22-27) - At that time, while they were together in Galilee, Jesus said to his disciples: "The Son of Man is about to be handed over into the hands of men, and they will kill him, but on the third day he will rise again." And they were very saddened. When they came to Capernaum, the temple tax collectors approached Peter and said to him, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?" He replied: "Yes." As he entered the house, Jesus preceded him by saying: «What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of this land collect taxes and tributes? From your own children or from others? He replied: “From strangers.” And Jesus: «So the children are exempt. But so that they don't get scandalized, go to the sea, throw the hook and catch the first fish that comes, open its mouth and you will find a silver coin. Take it and give it to them for me and for you."

The commentary on the Gospel by Monsignor Vincenzo Paglia

While they are returning to Capernaum, some tax collectors approach Peter and ask him whether or not Jesus intends to pay the prescribed tax for the temple. It is not a question of the tribute to Caesar, but of the contribution that every Israelite had to give to the temple for its functioning. Jesus, although he is "one greater than the temple" (Mt 12.6), does not escape this obligation and orders Peter to go fishing and to take from the mouth of the fish caught with the hook the silver coin from donate to the temple. Jesus did not want to cause scandal and, like other times, he does not claim rights and privileges that should have been due to him. He came to edify, certainly not to scandalize people. For this reason he also acts differently from what would be permissible for him. Along these lines, to the claims of the Corinthians who said: «Everything is permissible!», the apostle Paul replies: «Yes, but not everything edifies. Let no one seek his own interest, but that of others" (1Cor 10,23-24). Jesus' first concern remains gathering and safeguarding those whom the Father has entrusted to him. And for this reason he is scrupulous in removing everything that could cause unnecessary scandals. It is a wisdom that requires great internal discipline especially on the part of those with pastoral responsibilities. The instinct to act impulsively and without thinking must be avoided. The Lord continues to show us that true wisdom is building that spiritual temple which is the Christian community.