Christian Art | The Coin In The Fish’s Mouth
Matthew 17: 22-27 – Week 19 Ordinary Time, Monday (King James Audio Bible KJV, Spoken Word)
22 ¶ And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:
23 And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.
24 ¶ And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
In Matthew’s Gospel, this is Jesus’ second announcement of his Passion. This time, the reaction of the disciples has mellowed. It is less extreme, while they remain very sorry. The disciples begin to recognize the cross as a necessary step on Jesus’ journey. We may think of our own tears mingled with joy as we contemplate Christ’s sacrifice, for example as we give ourselves in prayer, in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. We may also note that the sorrow of the disciples follows upon Jesus’ saying that he will be raised again. Our sorrow as we contemplate Jesus’ death includes the resurrection. We may weep for the necessity and the absolute love and self-giving of Jesus’ sacrifice.
In Capernaum, where Jesus spent much of his time during his ministry, Peter is asked if he and Jesus and the other disciples pay the tribute money, which was to maintain the Temple in Jerusalem. Peter tells the collector of the tribute that Jesus does indeed pay his temple tribute. Jesus and the disciples are observant Jews. Jesus has come to complete the Law, not to abolish it.
There then follows a curious exchange, in which Jesus suggests a different relationship to the Law than that which has previously been thought upon. The sons are free. Christians are free. However, it remains fitting to pay respect to the people from whom Christianity originates. This is important – not to give offence but to give love. A miracle follows. It may seem something of a ‘throwaway’ miracle, but it remains a miracle. This tells us that the issue is not of particular significance in Jesus’ eyes: it is easy for us to pay our respects and not to cause offence. We may be with Jesus, with the new and complete Law, while paying our respects to the old. There need be no contradiction here.
Concluding Prayer | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ
King of heaven and earth, Lord God,
rule over our hearts and bodies this day.
You have called us to serve you responsibly in the world:
help us to build a just and Christian society.
Sanctify us,
and guide our every thought, word, and deed
according to the commandments of your law,
so that now and for ever
your grace may free and save us.
We make our prayer through our Lord.
King James Audio Bible | Endnotes
What Is The Spiritual Significance Of The Coin In The Fish’s Mouth?
The story of the coin in the fish’s mouth is a miraculous event that has a deeper spiritual significance.
To provide some context, in the previous chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus had taken Peter, James, and John up to a high mountain, where Jesus was transfigured before them. They saw Jesus’ face shining like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. They also saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them not to tell anyone about what they had seen until after he had risen from the dead.
In Matthew 17: 22-23, Jesus and his disciples were traveling through Galilee, and Jesus began to teach them about his impending death and resurrection: ‘And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, the Son of Man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: and they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.’
It is at this point that the story of the coin in the fish’s mouth begins. In Matthew 17:24, the tax collectors came to Peter and asked him if Jesus paid the temple tax. Peter replied that he did, and he went to Jesus to confirm this. Jesus told Peter to go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish that came up. Jesus said that when Peter opened the fish’s mouth, he would find a piece of money. Jesus instructed Peter to take that money and pay the tax for both of them.
So, what is the spiritual significance of this story?
One simple interpretation is that the story demonstrates Jesus’ divine power and authority. Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen, and he knew exactly what Peter needed to do to pay the tax. This interpretation emphasizes Jesus’ sovereignty over all things, including the natural world.
Another interpretation is that the story illustrates the importance of trusting in God’s provision. Jesus did not tell Peter how he was going to provide the money, but he assured him that it would be there. This interpretation emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God’s provision, even when we cannot see how it will come about.
In his commentary on Matthew’s Gospel, theologian Saint Thomas Aquinas sees the story as a symbol of the sacrament of the Eucharist. He writes:
‘The coin in the fish’s mouth is a symbol of the Eucharist, which is received by the faithful as a kind of payment for their sins. The fish represents Christ, who is the source of our redemption. The coin represents the grace that we receive through the sacraments.’
Aquinas sees the story as a prefiguration of the sacraments, which are a means of grace for the Christian believer. He emphasizes the importance of the sacraments in the life of the believer and the role they play in our salvation.
Protestant theologian John Calvin, in his commentary on Matthew’s Gospel, sees the story as a rebuke to the religious leaders of the day. He writes:
‘The story of the coin in the fish’s mouth is a rebuke to the scribes and Pharisees, who were more concerned with their own piety than with the needs of the people. Jesus demonstrates that true religion is not about external acts of piety, but about serving others and meeting their needs.’
Calvin emphasizes the importance of compassion and service in the Christian life. He sees the story as an illustration of Jesus’ concern for the needs of his disciples and his willingness to provide for them. He also notes that the story serves as a reminder to believers that God will always provide for our needs, even in unexpected ways.
Another interpretation of the story comes from the early Church Fathers, who saw the fish as a symbol of Christ himself. Saint Augustine, in his sermon on the Gospel of Matthew, writes:
‘The fish that was caught and brought to Peter represents Christ, who was taken captive by death and then released, rising from the dead on the third day. The coin in the fish’s mouth represents the power of the resurrection, by which Christ triumphed over death and overcame the power of sin.’
Augustine emphasizes the central role of Christ’s death and resurrection in the Christian faith, and sees the story as a symbol of the victory that Christ has won for us over sin and death.
As we reflect on this story, we can be reminded of the many ways that God works in our lives, often in unexpected and miraculous ways. We can be encouraged to trust in God’s provision, even when we cannot see how it will come about, and to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God is always with us and will never leave us or forsake us.
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Psalm 25 is a plea for divine guidance, forgiveness and protection. It is a deeply personal and introspective conversation between the psalmist and the Lord. In this psalm, we find themes of trust, humility, and the recognition of God’s merciful nature [ … ]
Padre Pio, also known as Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, was an Italian Capuchin friar who lived from 1887 to 1968. He is renowned for his piety, his stigmata, and his gift of healing, and has become a beloved figure in the Christian world. Born into a devout Catholic family in Pietrelcina, Italy, Padre Pio felt a calling to the priesthood from a young age. He entered the Capuchin order in 1903 and was ordained a priest in 1910. He spent much of his life as a humble friar, dedicated to prayer, the sacraments, and the service of others. Padre Pio’s most famous spiritual gift was the stigmata, the visible wounds of Christ that he bore on his hands, feet, and side. He experienced this phenomenon for over 50 years, from 1918 until his death in 1968. While some were skeptical of his wounds, many believed them to be a sign of his profound union with Christ and his participation in the suffering of the crucified Christ. In addition to his stigmata, Padre Pio was also known for his gift of healing. Many people came to him seeking physical, emotional, and spiritual healing, and he prayed over them, sometimes prescribing special devotions or treatments. While some were healed miraculously, others did not experience a physical cure, but nonetheless found comfort and peace through his intercession. Padre Pio’s life was marked by his devotion to God and his love for others. He spent long hours in prayer, often in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, and had a deep appreciation for the power of the Eucharist. He also had a special love for the Virgin Mary, whom he called his ‘Heavenly Mother’, and encouraged others to pray the Rosary. Today, Padre Pio is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church, and his influence has spread far beyond Italy. He is remembered for his holiness, his humility, and his profound union with Christ, as well as for his compassion and concern for the sick and suffering. Christians of all denominations continue to look to him as a model of faith and devotion to God. Prayer To Saint Padre Pio | A Prayer For Healing Saint Padre Pio is renowned for his gift of healing, which he used to help countless people throughout his life. He believed in the power of prayer and the importance of placing our trust in God, even in the face of illness and suffering. In James 5:16, we are reminded that ‘the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective’. Padre Pio’s life was a testament to the truth of this verse, as he interceded for those who came to him seeking physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. One of the most striking examples of Padre Pio’s healing ministry was the case of Gemma Di Giorgi, a young girl who had been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Her parents brought her to Padre Pio, who prayed over her and blessed her with the sign of the cross. To the amazement of her doctors, Gemma’s condition began to improve, and she was eventually healed completely. In addition to physical healing, Padre Pio also believed in the importance of emotional and spiritual healing. He often spoke of the need for repentance and conversion, and encouraged his followers to turn to God with contrite hearts. In Luke 5:31-32, Jesus tells the Pharisees, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’ Padre Pio understood that true healing involves not only the body, but also the soul. For those who are in need of healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, Saint Padre Pio can serve as a powerful intercessor. He believed in the importance of prayer and the power of God’s grace to heal even the most difficult of cases. Through his intercession, we can ask God for the strength and courage to face our illnesses and our struggles, knowing that we are never alone and that God’s healing love is always with us. So let us pray: ‘Saint Padre Pio, you who had a deep faith in God and a profound love for your fellow human beings, we turn to you in our time of need. We ask for your intercession on behalf of all those who are sick and suffering, that they may be healed in body, mind, and spirit. We ask that you pray for us, that we may have the strength and courage to face our illnesses and our struggles with faith and hope, knowing that God is with us always. We trust in God’s love and mercy, and in the power of prayer to bring healing and wholeness to all who seek it. Saint Padre Pio, pray for us, and lead us to the healing grace of God. Amen.’ Prayer To Saint Padre Pio | A Prayer For Peace Saint Padre Pio was a man of peace, who lived his life in the service of God and his fellow human beings. He believed that peace was not merely the absence of conflict, but a state of inner harmony that could only be achieved through a deep and abiding relationship with God. In John 14:27, Jesus tells his disciples, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’ Padre Pio understood the importance of this peace, and dedicated his life to helping others find it. One of the ways that Padre Pio fostered peace was through his ministry of reconciliation. He encouraged those who came to him to confess their sins and seek God’s forgiveness, knowing that this was the first step towards inner peace. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus says, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ Padre Pio believed that this was not just a call to be a mediator in conflicts between […]
