As Peter receives the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, we know that we have hope for our hearts; for although the netherworld will not prevail in this spiritual battle, it will seek to keep us from Christ, who offers strength for our souls.
Mass Readings – 21st Sunday of the Year
The great commandment to love God and neighbor is a crucial component to follow Jesus Christ. Our task: to demonstrate daily in thought, word and deed that we are putting it into practice.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 20th Week of the Year
The prophet Ezekiel and the Psalmist offer us beautiful words of comfort: the Lord washes away the impurities of our souls and gives us clean hearts.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 20th Week of the Year
Jesus offers a parable about the Kingdom of Heaven that offers us hope in God’s abundant mercy throughout our lives. Even to our last breath, the Lord extends to us compassion and grace. May we accept it today!
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 20th Week of the Year
Today’s Gospel reading follows up on yesterday’s encounter with the rich young man. As Jesus speaks to His disciples, he reveals the power of detachment as the way that leads us to eternal life.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 20th Week of the Year
Jesus speaks with an earnest young man who is striving to follow God. There is just one stumbling block: his attachment to possessions keeps him from giving his heart to the Lord.
Mass Readings – Monday of the 20th Week of the Year
Study: Recall a time when you were entrusted with power. How did you use it?
Pray: Ask the Lord for guidance over the things and situations in your control right now.
Serve: How can you help someone who is struggling with a decision of leadership? How can you offer solid support?
21st Sunday of the Year Readings
Take a look at the keys in your pocket. As you hold them, think about what they do:
Keys allow us access and empower us with authority. Keys give us control over our physical world and they help us to use resources wisely and well. They are also symbols that speak to identity and purpose – just think about what happens when our keys are lost or taken from us….
In the first reading and the Gospel today we discover the power of God’s keys:
These promises to Eliakim and St. Peter are mighty – they will receive the power, authority,and responsibility from God lead and guide. Consider these three points:
Power: they receive the strength and ability to carry out the work entrusted to them. Power gives them resources and skills to accomplish great things. Without power they are weak; with God’s power they can do more than they ever dreamed possible.
Authority: these keys are a sign of leadership and respect. The keys they possess allow them to direct and command others. Those who hold the keys are followed; those who hold the keys stand before us and provide wisdom, insight, and vision.
Responsibility: “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.” (Luke 12:48b) With great power comes great responsibility, and those who have been given strength and ability are required to use it with wisdom. Indeed, having the keys of Authority are a burden to demonstrate transparency, accountability, and trust.
Again, look at the keys in your pocket. How do we use them? Today we might consider the gifts and talents God has given us: we have an opportunity at this moment to exercise our own power and authority with God’s guidance, knowing that one day the Lord will seek an accounting with what we have done.
May our own keys inspire us to live with conviction and direction – using the resources we have received with the insights offered by our faith in Jesus Christ. The Lord is the source of all keys, may we call upon him to help us use them!
Note: This post was first published on August 18, 2014.
The readings proclaim how God reaches out to all people, regardless of ethnicity, language or culture. As sons and daughters of the Heavenly Father, we have the opportunity today to unite together through our attitude and effort.
Mass Readings – 20th Sunday of the Year
The topic of divorce surfaces in an attempt to trap Jesus, giving us an insight into an issue that has been part of the history of humanity from the very beginning. It’s a tender topic that invites us to do what we can to strengthen marriage, while also helping people heal when the relationship is broken.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 19th Week of the Year
Following Christ means that we are people who consistently and adamantly seek out opportunities to forgive. Forgiveness is essential…for our journey through this life and our admission to the next.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 19th Week of the Year
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 