First Reading: Isaiah 22:19-23
Reflection:
This account from the Prophet Isaiah may seem unimportant at first glance, but when taken in correlation with this Sunday’s Gospel reading, it becomes incredibly enlightening. During the reign of King Hezekiah, Shebna was removed by the Lord from his post as “master of the palace” and replaced by Eliakim. The reason for the removal was Shebna’s obstinance toward the prophetic words of Isaiah, words which the prophet was speaking on the Lord’s behalf. The position of “master of the palace” from which he was being removed was an important office in the Davidic kingdom (King Hezekiah was in the line of David). This person functioned as the steward of the kingdom and was second in command to the king. Thus, if the king was away, then the “master of the palace” was in charge and would act on behalf of the king. If the position became vacant, as we see here, someone else would be appointed to fill it, meaning there was a line of succession. The “master of the palace” held the “key of the house of David,” a symbol of authority, and could make binding decisions for the kingdom (the meaning of “when he opens no one shall shut, when he shuts, no one shall open”). We see the same authoritative designations given to Peter by Jesus in this Sunday’s Gospel (note the wording Jesus uses, which is clearly reminiscent of this passage in Isaiah). Thus, in the Gospel reading Jesus appoints Peter (and his successors, the Popes) as the “master of the palace” in His kingdom.
Second Reading: Romans 11:33-36
Reflection:
Here Paul gives us a beautiful doxology, which is a hymn of praise to God. Prior to this passage, as we have heard in recent weeks from the book of Romans, Paul has been dealing with hefty theology regarding the role of the Israelites, the chosen people, in the New Covenant founded by Jesus. He has been wrestling, in particular, with the relationship between Jewish believers in Christ and Gentile believers. At the end of this complex section, Paul pauses to praise God and acknowledge that He is far above us. God has everything in control. His ways are above ours and we cannot always understand them, but we can trust that God knows what is best. The profound conclusion to this hymn may sound familiar from the Mass: “For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever.” This sums up that God is the source of all things and all things are ordered toward Him. He is worthy of all praise and glory.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:13-20
Reflection:
In this important passage, Jesus took his closest followers to the rather remote location of Caesarea Philippi, away from the Jewish crowds, to have an important conversation. He first asked them to recount popular opinion about himself. In essence, they replied that people viewed Jesus as a great prophet, but nothing more. After the disciples recounted popular opinion about Jesus, he then asked them to share their own beliefs about him with the question, “But who do you say that I am?” As was typical, Peter responded on behalf of the group. His response reveals the profound truth that Jesus is more than a prophet–He is “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus responded by affirming this statement and explaining that Peter did not give this answer based on his own knowledge but by the revelation of God.
Then, Jesus made a profound statement about Peter’s identity. Peter is the “rock” upon which Jesus will build his Church and give the “keys to the Kingdom of heaven.” These loaded words have traditionally been understood as Jesus’ institution of the papacy. Jesus made Peter (whose name literally means “rock”) the foundation of the Church. Peter and the popes who are his successors are, in essence, the “masters of the palace” in Jesus’ kingdom (the Church) and, therefore, function as second in command to Jesus, the King. From Peter down to Pope Francis today, there has been an unbroken line of popes who have led Christ’s Church, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Based on Jesus’ promise, they have the authority to “bind and loose” (just like the “master of the palace” had the authority to “open” and “shut” in the first reading). In other words, Jesus gave them authority over the Church in matters of teaching, worship, membership, morals, etc. Throughout Church history, Jesus has remained faithful to his promise that “the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it,” even though the Church has faced many crises, trials, and tribulations. That’s because Jesus is the builder (he says, “I will build my Church”), so the strength and success of the Church is not dependent on who holds the keys to the kingdom, as much as it is on who gave those keys in the first place.
Application:
- In light of the second reading, reflect on how you can better give praise and glory to God through your life.
- We might imagine Jesus posing the same question as in the Gospel to us today: “Who do you say that I am?” How would you respond? Do you believe that Jesus is truly “the Christ, the Son of the living God”? Take time to reflect on Jesus’ identity and how his identity can shape your life. Even if popular opinion does not agree, are you willingly to stand up for and live by that truth?
- How have this Sunday’s first reading and gospel reading aided or challenged your understanding of the role of the Pope in the Church?
