January 18

“But so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish you catch. When you open its mouth, you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours.” — Matt 17:27 BSB

There’s a beautiful touch of love and foresight in the story of Christ’s miracle at Capernaum, where He provided the temple tax. After Peter’s conversation with the tax collector, it says, “When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him”—meaning, Jesus knew what Peter needed before he could even ask and arranged for it by sending him to find the coin in the fish’s mouth.

Our Lord always thinks ahead of our needs. He loves to spare us from worry and provide for us before the situation even arises. Then, with tender compassion, Jesus says, “Take that and give it for Me and for you.” He shares in our needs, bearing the greater weight of the burden. He makes our cares His own, our sorrows His sorrows, and He understands our struggles deeply.