It is noted on several occasions in the Gospels that people were awed by the words, authority and actions of Jesus. These "signs", as John called them, showed that Jesus had at his command a power that went far beyond the human.

In today's Gospel we are not told that Jesus' advice to Peter ended in a "sign". We are not even told that Peter actually went and caught a fish. Some commentators believe that the purpose of the story was to reassure Peter and the other disciples that, being his companions, they were not bound by the temple tax since Jesus was now the new "Temple of God" among men. They are, however, advised that sometimes for the sake of peace and harmony it is better not to stand on one's rights. The story and the advice are for us too, members of the Body of Christ and the "Temple of God for all Nations."

As to how Peter might pay the tax, the commentator William Barclay, suggests that Jesus was smilingly and colourfully telling Peter to go back to his old job for a day. From the proceeds of the sale of the catch he could pay the tax and thus avoid an unnecessary conflict with the representatives of their beloved Jewish faith.

We all have to be willing to pay our way through life by common daily work.