OPUS DEI LVII

While everyone was awestruck by the greatness of God and full of admiration for all he did, the disciples came privately to Jesus when he had gone indoors; they asked him, “Why were we unable to drive it out?” He said to his disciples, “Because you have so little faith. In truth, I tell you, if your faith is the size of a mustard seed you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move; nothing will be impossible for you. As for this kind, it is cast out only by prayer and fasting.” After leaving that place, they made their way through Galilee; and he did not want anyone to know, because he was instructing his disciples. When they were together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “For your part, you must have these words constantly in mind: The Son of man is going to be delivered into the power of men; they will put him to death, and on the third day he will be raised up again.” A great sadness came over them. They did not understand what he said; it was hidden from them so that they should not see the meaning of it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.

THE TEMPLE TAX PAID BY JESUS AND PETER / WHO IS THE GREATEST? / ON USING THE NAME OF JESUS / ON LEADING OTHERS ASTRAY Matthew 17:24-27, 18:1-4, 5-11; Mark 9:33-37, 38-40, 41, 42-50; Luke 9:46-48, 49-50

An argument started between them about which one of them was the greatest. When they reached Capernaum, the collector of the half-shekel came to Peter and said, “Does your master not pay the half-shekel?” “Yes,” he replied, and went into the house. However, before he could speak, Jesus said, “Simon, what is your opinion? From whom do earthly kings take toll or tribute from their sons or from foreigners?” When he replied, “From foreigners,” Jesus said, “Well then, the sons are exempt. However, so that we should not be the downfall of others, go to the lake and cast a hook; take the first fish that rises, open its mouth and there you will find a shekel; take it and give it to them for me and for yourself.” At this time, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” The disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Jesus knew what thoughts were going through their minds, so, he sat down, called the twelve to him and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all. The least among you all is the one who is the greatest.” He called a little child to him, whom he set among them and embraced, and he said to them, “In truth I tell you, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven; therefore, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.