I am in awe of the commitment of faith that Peter had to answer Jesus’ question: “But who do you say that I am?” How was he able to proclaim Christ as the Son of God? Though we all identify with Peter and his imperfections, he was perfect in his understanding of who Jesus was. So much so that Jesus declared to him:
“You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church…I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:18).
This scripture always forms in my mind the famous artwork of Perugino which depicts this scene. Jesus is handing Peter not one, but two keys – one is pointing up to heaven, and one is pointing down to earth. For me it is a reminder that two keys are necessary, one to open our hearts here on earth and one to open heaven and everlasting life.
Keys were important symbols in scripture. They were the sign of authority of the Davidic Kingdom. Keys were used by the High Priest of the Temple to open the doors for the people to enter.
What are the keys that God has used in my life to open my eyes and conform my heart to His Will? I have to believe that His Church, built upon Peter and His apostolic successors, is that downward facing key, symbolizing authority over our souls during their journey on earth.
I know people often say in these times, “I am spiritual, not religious” and they may have trouble relating to official church structures and external practices. However, Jesus established a concrete community of believers. Just as keys represent a transfer of authority, we have to accept the institutional reality of the Church to be as essential to Christian faith as believing in the humanity and divinity of Jesus.
Life in the Church allows us to continue with certainty, living and following Jesus during our time on earth.
Life in the Church involves:
- Receiving the sacraments
- Living our Baptism
- Believing in the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist
- Growing the virtues modeled for us by Jesus (humility, great love, service to others)
- Living in community with others as the Body of Christ on earth
So how was Peter able to see Christ for who he truly is, the Messiah, the Son of the living God? It was a revelation from God, the Father, but it also involved a receptivity on Peter’s part. I think for him to know who Jesus was, he must have first known that he was fully seen by Jesus. For there is power in being fully seen, a human desire to be truly known. Human beings need a touch of the divine to see themselves rightly and to be able to see God rightly.
The question that Jesus asks his apostles is the question that defines each of our lives, the most important question we will ever be asked:
“Who do you say I am?”
In my mind, I hear a second question as well: “Am I the Lord of your life?” How will I respond?
Debbie Garza is a parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Leon Springs, and is an experienced Pilgrimage Group Leader with Pilgrim Center of Hope. She has traveled with Pilgrim Center of Hope to the Holy Land, Italy, and Greece. She says, “On pilgrimage, I know the ears and eyes of my heart have been opened by God’s grace and I’ve experienced the Joy of the Gospel. I am committed to helping other pilgrims experience their personal journey of faith.” Debra is also a member of Pilgrim Center of Hope’s Speaker Team.
Pilgrim Center of Hope provides events, experiences, and media; initiating a desire in people to encounter Jesus Christ in their daily journey of life. See what’s happening & let us journey with you! Visit PilgrimCenterOfHope.org.
