Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr
King Richard I, 12th century English monarch, was known as “the Lion Heart” for his courage and fortitude. However, while returning from the 3rd Crusade, he was captured and a huge amount was demanded for his release.
The English people spared no effort in rescuing their king. Huge contributions were raised and Richard returned to his realm. This huge “ransom” is the origin of the phrase, “A king’s ransom.” More than a thousand years before there was a “King’s ransom” above all others. One man – the King of Kings – paid a “ransom” to save everyone, sparing nothing.
Today Jesus and the disciples are asked to pay the Temple tax. “When Jesus and his disciples came to Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax approached Peter and asked, ‘Why doesn’t your teacher pay the Temple tax?’” (Mt 17: 24)
This half-shekel was adopted as the amount that all Jews were to pay once a year for the upkeep and maintenance of the Jerusalem Temple. It was a symbolic gesture in gratitude for what Israel owed to God for their ransom from slavery in Egypt. The tax was thus an “atonement.” It was “ransom” money.
The Temple tax as “ransom money” was a tribute for the redemption of Israel from physical slavery in Egypt. Jesus now frees all people from the slavery of sin and separation through the Paschal Mystery. The blood of Jesus becomes a “ransom” paid for the redemption of all and the defeat of death, humankind's oldest enemy.
Jesus would not just pay the tax, he would give himself in complete obedience to the Father — himself the ransom and the atonement!
As disciples we are the fruit of this King’s ransom, not just any king but the “King of Kings.” Let us live our lives by sharing in this redemptive work, offering, as he did — everything, as a tax, if you will, on we who bear his name.
He will have no less.
-Timothy J. Cronin