Greetings on this the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Is 22:19-23; Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8; Rom 11:33-36; Mt 16:13-20
Notes: Eliakim (Govenor and Finance Minister) for Hezekiah.
The Book of Isaiah is filled with the historical and spiritual realities played out between the superpowers of Egypt, Assyria and Babylon but principally Assyria. Isaiah always stressed trust in the LORD over alliance, advantage and acquisition by, with, and through these superpowers.
Eliakim, for his part, was a steady governor who did not rejoice over the superpower intrigue and its potentially positive but always negatively reactive relations with these powers. He soberly governed, kept the people safe to the level he was able, and ‘had a splendid and honorable career’.
In our second reading today, we are reminded that what appears to be a good path may not be and we should trust the LORD to plot a path for us amidst the craziness of the world and the allurements of alliance, advantage and acquisition! Time and again we find a good outcome in the LORD even as: How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!
Peter, the unlikely leader.
Peter, the servant fisherman.
Peter, given the keys to the kingdom.
Eliakim: means, whom God will raise up.
Ditto Peter.
First Reading
I will place the key of the House of David on Eliakim’s shoulder; when he opens, no one shall shut, when he shuts, no one shall open.
Note: Key: symbol of authority.
Responsorial
Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.
Second Reading
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!
Gospel Acclamation
You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
Gospel
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry