August 23, 2020
21st Sunday Ordinary
You know I am casual and not always in formal attire. But I appreciate that there are times when I visit someone sick in the hospital the importance of wearing a collar or when I celebrate the Sacraments of wearing a stole. These are symbols of the office entrusted to me. I am officiating in the “person of Christ.†It is humbling.
In our first reading from the Prophet Isaiah, Shebna, Servant of the King and Master of the Palace, is being replaced and symbols of his office – robe, sash, and key -- will be given to Eliakim. The “key†on his shoulder is both symbolic of his administration and provides access to the food pantry, royal stores and treasury of the House of David.
In our Gospel according to St. Matthew, Jesus and his disciples are in the region of Caesarea Philippi, a Roman stronghold, with trappings of Imperial power and with temples to the Gods. Jesus asks: “Who do people say the Son of Man is?†They reply: “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.†Then Jesus makes it personal. “But who do you say that I am?†Simon Peter, inspired, says: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.†Jesus acknowledges the insight by naming Simon “the rock†(“Peter†means “rockâ€) and by foreseeing that “upon this rock I will build my church.†Jesus symbolically entrusts “the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven†to Simon Peter.
The “keys†given to Peter are conferred to continue the ministry of Christ: service, sacrifice, unity, and mercy even unto death. They are given to the disciples as well. St. Paul writes of the variety and diversity of gifts that are activated within the community for the common good. The keys are given to us at baptism. We are immersed in the waters of life, into the mystery of God and commissioned to “be Christ†in the world. A lit candle is presented symbolizing that we are the light of the world. We wear a white garment signifying that we are a new creation. We are anointed with chrism as priests, prophets, and kings to inaugurate the Kingdom of Heaven. We are servants of the great king.
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20th Sunday Ordinary
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22nd Sunday Ordinary
