Friday, August 22, 2014

Lectionary 21 A - Matthew 16:13-20

Matthew 16:13-20
At first glance it appears as if “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18) has been transferred via the Galilean fisherman (on this rock I will build my church) to an institution where men in robes are the gate keepers. But if the “keys of the kingdom” are synonymous with the cross of Christ there is no door they will not open. After all the One who was crucified forgave those who did the dirty deed (Luke 23:34) even if truth to be told they knew damn well what they were dong. So if we interpret Jesus’ words in light of the cross we will loose love and bind hatred. We will loose inclusion and bind intolerance. We will loose fairness and bind prejudice. When we stand on the rock of Peter’s confession the church is on solid ground. Therefore the good news for an anxious church is that the gates of Hades will not shut our doors. The good news for the gates of Hades is that the gates of Heaven will remain open.

No comments:

Post a Comment