Religion: Prayer for Taxes

In the tiny (pop. 185) village of Consolation in France’s Jura Mountains, Canon Pierre Bretillot (who is both priest and mayor) dedicated a new tax office last week. His prayer would have pleased Matthew, the onetime tax collector, as well as collectors of internal revenue anywhere in the world:

“We beseech thee, O Lord Almighty, master of the world, distributor of all properties, bless this house wherein shall be received and distributed the compulsory and just part of the riches of our community. Give to those who bring their taxes a spirit of detachment and sacrifice, to those who come to receive payment some of the spirit of wealth praised by our Lord Jesus Christ in the Book of Matthew.

“Let justice, human kindness and charity forever fill this house. Let these virtues be a pledge of prosperity and happiness for all who come therein, either for giving or for receiving. And that, giving or receiving a few francs, they be judged worthy in return of obtaining the imperishable and eternal riches of thy everlasting kingdom. Amen.”