THE AUTHORITY AND IDENTITY
Isaiah 22:19-23; Psalm 138; Romans 11:33-36; Matthew 16:13-20
The Authority of the Church and the identity of Christ are the central themes in our readings of today. The word “church” appears for the first time in the four gospels in today’s narrative (Matt. 16:13–20). The second instance is in Matthew 18:15–17, where Jesus gave a sermon on how to deal with sin in the Church.
The word “church” is a translation of the Greek word ekklesia, which is defined as “an assembly” or “called-out ones.” Church does not refer to a building but to a body of believers. That is why Paul could say in Rom. 16:5 “greet the Church that is in their house”. Paul was not talking about a building but a body of believers.(Matt.18:20; Acts 12:5,12) Even though Christ says upon this rock I will build my Church, he was not referring to blocks and cements, but referring to the body of believers that will be under his authority. Therefore, the beauty of a church does not lie on the magnificent building but on the spiritual growth of souls.
Again, the Church of Christ was not just a function of man’s creativity but Divine revelation. If it was man’s creativity the gate of hell, with all the principalities and powers would have prevailed and destroy it. Many churches today are product of man’s idea and creativity; consequently, they have become the breeding centres for demonic agents. The Church of God is not an establishment for the satisfaction of human appetite, but a Divine institute for the salvation of the world. The Gamaliel Principle remains the standard in this regard (Acts 5:35-39).
Another lesson we can learn today is authority. The first reading speaks about the replacement of Shebna as master of the royal palace by a new official, Eliakim. The key as an administrator of the palace was taken from Shebna and given to Eliakim. Similarly, the key of the Kingdom was given to Peter in the Gospel reading. The hand-over of keys in both readings clearly defines the authority structure of the Church. This authority was given to the church by God. It is good we understand the source of our authority because even Jesus was questioned “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” (Matt. 21:23).
The Greek word is Exousia which is often translated as “authority” or “power.” It refers to one’s moral influence, or juridical power and dominion over a certain realm, right, privilege, or ability. This simply explains the Pope’s influence or infallibility in faith and morals. Again, Peter was given the keys alongside the power to bind and loose which explains his authority to teach, discern and decree God’s will in particular circumstances or changing circumstances. This is why the Pope becomes the mouth piece of God in the changing or constant circumstances of faith and morals. Whatever he says, holds sway. Anyone who refuses to comply is guilty of disobedience, alters his communion with the Church and it is ratified in heaven (Matt.16:19).
Additionally, today’s reading draws our attention to Christ’s identity. Jesus Christ feels the need to clarify who he is. His identity has so much to say about his mission and so he asked his disciples; “who do people say I am?” People easily have their opinions about public figures; positive or negative. In the case of Jesus his disciples told him only the positive things: Elijah, Jeremiah, John the Baptist or one of the prophets. Whereas the negative opinions about him were that he was a drunkard, a glutton, a friend of sinners, Beelzebul and the likes. People will always have negative impression about you; even though you are an angel. However, it was given to Peter by God that Jesus is the Son of the living God. This implies that what people say about you is not as important as what God says about you.
Still on Christ’s identity, we are made to understand that the revelation of Christ’s identity is not a function of flesh and blood or library materials but Divine illumination. Knowledge is good but by illumination we gain spiritual or intellectual enlightenment. The Holy Spirit grants us the understanding that the Lord wants us to have.
Lastly, the revelation of Christ’s identity is also the discovering of our true identity. As soon as Christ was revealed, He revealed to Peter his true identity as not just Peter but as the Rock upon which His Church will be built. Many people today are going through life, unsure of Christ’s identity and even their own identity. Some live through suffering identity crisis. Already 50 years of age but they have not discovered their purpose in life. They are never themselves, they desire to be like others and so they engage in all sorts of artificiality and fake life. Discover God and realize your true identity and purpose in life.
LET US PRAY
O God, who cause the minds of the faithful to unite in a single purpose, grant your people to love what you command and to desire what you promise, that, amid the uncertainties of this world, our hearts may be fixed on that place where true gladness is found. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
