The Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time [A]
Isa 22:19-23 + Rom 11:33-36 + Mt 16:13-20
August 27, 2017
“‘…you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church….’”
Rock collectors aren’t known as dynamic and charismatic folks. Most of us probably wonder why anyone would bother with such a hobby. It’s not just that rocks are lifeless: after all, postage stamps are lifeless, but can be very colorful and historical. Rocks, however, are dull in more ways than one, and seemingly good for little except holding things down, like a paperweight.
So is Jesus insulting Simon when He gives him the name “Peter”, which literally means “rock”? Is Jesus suggesting that Simon is hard-headed, lifeless, dull, and good for little? The Gospel accounts that feature Simon Peter show that, in terms of temperament and traits, he was hard-headed and occasionally dull of mind. So why would Jesus appoint such a man to the key role within His Church on earth: the office of the Pope?
The answer has more to do with Peter’s office than his personality. In other words, “Peter” is a job description, as Jesus explains in the same sentence in which He names Peter. Jesus tells Simon Peter: “…upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” Jesus’ description of Peter’s new job makes it clear how important it is, and how literally foundational. Upon a single rock Jesus wants to build His Church, and Simon Peter is the right man for the job. Continue reading →
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