Every so often we hear the statement that we are only pilgrims in this world. The dictionary would tell you that a pilgrim is “a person who journeys to a sacred place for religious reasons.” But the meaning of being a pilgrim in this world is much deeper. It means that our life is a journey to God. Each pilgrim heads to a final destination. And so it is with our life -- it leads us to eternal life. However, while we are still pilgrims, we are part of this world and we, whether we agree or not, need to follow certain laws of this world, i.e., we have to obey the law, we need to follow certain rules, we need to go to school, to work and we need to pay taxes. A pilgrim is on a journey, not an easy journey. But one filled with temptations, uncertainties, and challenges. The laws of this world are not always just and not always fair, and we may disagree with them. But still, we are part of this world. Jesus said today to Peter: “But that we may not offend tax collectors, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you.”
