“The New Testament lies hidden in the Old and the Old Testament is unveiled in the New.” (Saint Augustine +430 AD).
Echoing this truth of St. Augustine, today’s Gospel (Matthew 16:13-20) is most clearly seen in light of the First Reading (Isaiah 22:19-23)
ISAIAH 22:19-23
The prophet Isaiah describes the Davidic Kingdom 800 years before Jesus’ arrival. We learn about the office that is second only the king. The Word of God is spoken through the Isaiah to the office holder Shebna that because of his wickedness, another will be appointed to the office,
First, the office that is “over the house” [of the king] is passed down from person to person.
Second, the “keys” symbolize both the identity of the office holder and also indicates authority (to speak and act in the king’s name)
Third, the authority of the office holder likens that of a father.
Fourth, the office holder “opens” and “shuts”, representing decisive binding authority.
MATTHEW 16:13-20
Jesus declares Peter to be the rock [read: “over the house”] that is His Church. Notice carefully the Gospel truths foreshadowed 800 years prior.
- Jesus declares Peter second in rank.
- The keys Peter receives from Jesus (v. 19) represent authority Jesus bestows for Peter to speak and act over the Church [in the name of Christ Jesus the King].
- Peter is to practice the authority that likens a father’s authority. This explains why it quickly became a familiar to refer to Peter and his successors as ‘Papa” or common familial contemporary title, Pope. in the early church a father to the Church.
- Peter and his successors receive the authority [from Christ Jesus the King] to make binding decisions regarding the interpretation of God’s Word regarding faith and morals.
Isaiah 22 clarifies the biblical truth that the authority Jesus bestows upon Peter as the “rock” does not stop with Peter because Jesus has established an authoritative office [a “second in command”]
Just like after Shebna died and the office passed to Eliakim in the first reading, so now after Peter dies, the office with all its authority and its fatherly practice [“over the house” of the Church] are passed on to Peter’s successor as Bishop of Rome.
The 267th successor of Peter is our own Pope Leo XIV.
