First reading: Isaiah 22:19-23
Psalm: Psalm 138: 1-2, 2-3, 6, 8.
Second reading: Rom. 11: 33-36.
Gospel: Matthew 16: 13-20.
THEME: THE AUTHORITY OF THE KEYS
There will always be occasional misunderstanding and disagreement wherever human beings congregate in a social setting be it in the family, the Church and the society at large. This misunderstanding or dispute could be between the two individuals or it may be the individual and the community. When they do occur there should be a way of settling them amicably. In precolonial African societies, there are ways in which this was done, vestiges of which can still be seen in many African communities today.
During his ministry here on earth, there were instances in which Jesus forgave the sins of people before healing them. (Matt. 9: 1-8, Mark2:1-12). And to emphasize the importance of reconciliation with one another, he pointed out the stages in making amends with him in Matt. 18:15-22. These instances show the vertical and horizontal dimensions of reconciliation in Christian life.
Jesus knew that after his ministry here on earth, human beings, being what they are, would always be in need of mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation, hence today in the Gospel reading, he gave the keys of the kingdom of heaven to Peter, who professed faith in Jesus as the son of God. As he said, “whatever you bind on earth is bound in heaven. Whatever you loose on earth is loosed in heaven.” By this singular action, he has given the power to forgive sins to Peter and the other Apostles. Even after his resurrection, before his ascension into heaven he reiterated this authority, when he said, “If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (John 20: 22) This is to emphasize the importance of the authority given to the disciples to forgive sins and the need to use the medium to reconcile with God in the life of all believers.
Dear friends, as a result of apostolic succession, the Bishops, who are who are the successors of the Apostles and priests are given the power and authority by the Church to forgive sins, that is part of the authority of keys of the kingdom of heaven that was given to Peter and the other apostles, by our Lord Jesus Christ Knowing the source of this authority and the intention of our Lord and Savior, the onus is now on us to make good use of the sacrament of reconciliation to ask God for the forgiveness of our sins against Him and our neighbours. It is always good, holy and wholesome to be in a state of grace before approaching the throne of God for anything. It accounts for the reason why Jesus would always call for repentance or forgiveness before all other things in his earthly ministry. Let us always approach the confessional for the purification of our hearts and minds, in anticipation of God’s presence that will engender more graces, strength, favors and blessings in our life.
LET US PRAY. Almighty God, help us realize who it is that forgives and cleanse us of our sins for a better appreciation of the sacrament of reconciliation in our lives. Amen.