Pastor’s Corner for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, by Fr. Nobert Munekani SJ

In today’s gospel reading, Peter responded to Jesus’ question: ‘who do people say I am?’ by declaring that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus in turn praised Peter’s faith, inspired and strengthened by the Father in heaven. This faith is the rock on which the Church, the body of believers, is built. Our faith in Christ, the Son of God, makes us members of the People of God, the Body of Christ, and gives life to this same Body.

Jesus’ declaration that Peter is the “rock” upon which He will build His church and that He will give Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven signifies the primacy and leadership role assigned to Peter within the community of believers. He was given the authority to bind and unbind here on earth and in heaven. The authority to “bind and loose” granted to Peter symbolizes his role in guiding the Church by making decisions related to doctrine and discipline, highlighting the organizational structure and accountability within the early Church. This is the role of the Pope, the Bishops, priests and the leaders of the church today. The first reading from the prophet Isaiah is like the gospel. Here too a ‘master of the palace’ is appointed with authority over who can access the palace, which is the symbol of the kingdom.

The second reading highlights the vastness of God’s wisdom. No one can fully understand His mind or advise Him. Everything originates from and exists for Him. Yet through his word, the teaching of the church and through its authority we tap into that wisdom though not fully.

God speaks to his people through his Word and through the leaders of his people. They have an important role in helping us discern God’s will for us. For us they ‘bind’ and ‘unbind’ us in our needs and struggles. Wisdom is also to accept their role and responsibilities and allow ourselves to be led.

For the sick

Let us continue to pray for the sick members of our parish especially Benedicta Ngwebelele, Magola Legoale, Phoebe Ngwenya and Andrew Ledwaba.  

Rev. Fr. Nobert Munekani SJ