My Dear People,

In the gospel today in Matthew 16, Jesus is investing Peter with the role of royal steward in the kingdom that Jesus is establishing. Isaiah 22 is clearly the background of the promise of the “keys to the kingdom.” Isaiah 22 is the only passage of the Old Testament where the word “key” even occurs. The thematic parallels are strong, for example, the promise to Eliakim concerning “binding  and loosing.”  Binding and loosing were technical terms in first century Judaism referring to the authority to decide matters of  halakhah (literally “the walk,” i.e. the “behavior,” that is, the practical application of divine law. We can say that Jesus invested Peter with authority to make an especially controversial decision even he did not specifically express it. 

The Church has always held that Peter’s authority—like the authority of the Apostles in general—was passed down to his successors. Otherwise, a passage like Matthew 16:13-20 and others that speak to us of the authority of the Apostles would simply be matters of historical curiosity for us. One would have to suppose that Jesus invested Peter and the Apostles with authority over the Church, but that Jesus left no provision for the governance of the Church after they died, so now it is every believer for him- or herself. 

The church was not mistaken in understanding that Peter’s authority was to be passed to his successors. So, we see already in the first century St. Clement of Rome exercising a spiritual authority over churches far away from his immediate geographical location. The role of the royal steward, Peter, and his successors, is reflected in the title given to the Bishop of Rome “Pontifex maximus” (“greatest priest”) and “Papa” or “Pope,” meaning “Father.” This reflects the prophetic typology of Isaiah 22: “He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.” The Church is the New Jerusalem (see Hebrews 12:22-24).

The successor of Peter continues to authoritatively “bind” and “loose,” making decisions of halakhah for the people of God. A pertinent example: How does divine law apply to physical and chemical contraceptives, which were not as widely available in previous centuries? Paul VI gave an authoritative halakhah decision: they are impermissible. The decision remains universally controversial, but Christians who will not accept it, I am afraid, will find themselves voluntarily extinguishing their own communities as the generations pass. It’s already happening. It’s often remarked, for example, that some long-established Christian communities in various parts of the world are being dwarfed by populations of other religions—for example, Islam. What is not often said, however, is that some of those Christian communities are less open to life than followers of other religions. They prefer to limit their family size by artificial contraception or sterilization in an attempt to attain and enjoy a high standard of living. OK, fine: but then let us not be surprised or complain when Christians make up an ever-smaller percentage of the population in that area.  How sad that the baptized children of God would not be generously open to the children God would like to send them. 

On a more positive note, the force of the reading for this Sunday is resoundingly encouraging. Despite our sins and failings, God is continuously faithful to his Church. The gates of hell will not withstand the power of the Church. She will never be extinguished from the earth until Christ comes to fulfill all things. Moreover, Jesus has provided her with continuing leadership, especially the successor of Peter, so that we need not debate endlessly about the application of the Gospel to the present day, but rather have authoritative guidance. May God be praised for providing his people.

[Contents taken from Reflections on Sunday Mass readings for year A by Dr. John Bergsma]

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Vincent Clemente